Richard Claud Atkinson

Richard Claud Atkinson, 86, of Zumbrota, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023. He was born May 5, 1937, in Milton Township in Dodge County to Harold and Mavis (Stafford) Atkinson. He grew up in rural Oronoco, helping on the family farm. In 1956, he joined the Army where he was stationed in Germany for a time. After the Army, Richard worked a variety of jobs before landing at the REA; where he was a lineman until his retirement. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Zumbrota Fire Department for 13 years. Richard enjoyed many hobbies – hunting, fishing, playing gin, and wood carving. He enjoyed traveling out west, hiking, camping, and being at his cabin that he shared with his brothers in Floodwood, MN. Mostly, he enjoyed being around his family and friends. He was known for his humor, happy disposition, and kindness (except when playing gin). He loved to tinker in his garage or basement while listening to polka music. He also enjoyed watching the Vikings and Twins play, gardening, and a good hot toddy at the end of the day. In 1981, he married the love of his life, Joann, whom he enjoyed many wonderful years with.

He is survived by his wife Joann; brother, Daryl (Bonnie) Atkinson; sister, Judy (Wilfred) Zeman; children, Robert Atkinson, Rita (Al) Rozea, Michael, Laurie, and Nathan Hamblin; daughter-in-law, Corrie Hamblin; grandchildren, Jonathan and Elizabeth Hall, Alex (Ayshlan) Hamblin, Hollie (Brady) Wood, Ethan Hamblin, Gretchen (Garrett) Purvis, Brian, Calley, and Chloe Atkinson; great-grandchildren, Alexis Garrison and Jasper, Milo, and Wells Wood; nieces, Pamela Olson and Amada Guthman; nephews, Douglas (Susan), Dan, and Donald Jr. Atkinson, Kenneth, Jeffrey, and Kevin Zeman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mavis; brother, Donald Atkinson; son, Brett Hamblin; nephew, Ben Zeman; and many aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Stary-Yerka VFW Post 5727 in Zumbrota. Burial will be at the Zumbrota Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements made by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota.