Richard D. Mestad, age81, longtime resident of Babbitt, died Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at his home. He was born March 27, 1935, in Vernon Township, MN, the son of Elmer and Jeanette (Eastlee) Mestad. He attended school in Byron, MN. Richard was united in marriage to Janis E. Wilde on March 27, 1954, in Rochester, MN.

Richard worked as a truck driver for Reserve Mining Co., retiring in 1991. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt. Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting, and creating fishing rods.

Richard is survived by his wife: Janis; children: Keith (Susan) Mestad of Forsyth, MT, Susan (David) Leino of Ely, MN, and Kevin Mestad of Coon Rapids, MN; siblings: Merlin (Carol) Mestad, Joyce (Zeke) Zacherson, Dorothy (Bill) Murry, Dan (Colleen) Holtorf, Judy Ramthun, Duane (Heidi) Erickson, and Jim (Theresa) Erickson; grandchildren: Tony, Faith, and Hope; great-grandchildren: Trinity and Orin; and numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-parents: Orin (Florence) Erickson; his brother: Delmont; and his brother-in-law: Jim Wilde.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am Memorial Service Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt. The Reverend Evelyn Weston will officiate.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Tower. To express condolences on-line please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday December 7, 2016 , 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Evangelical Lutheran Church

Wednesday December 7, 2016 , 11:00 AM at Evangelical Lutheran Church