Richard David Milnar

Richard David Milnar

Richard David Milnar passed away peacefully on Jan. 30, 2025. He went by many names – “Dick” to his friends and family, “Uncle Richie” to his many nieces and nephews, and in later years, “Wayne” to those who knew him best.

Richard was born on Sept. 21, 1939, to Marie Tolson, a nurse, and John Milnar, a Czech immigrant and welder for the railroad. The youngest of five children, Richard grew up in the Bohemian neighborhoods of Old St. Paul. The nearby railroad tracks and river banks filled his early years with both mischief and adventure.

After attending St. Stanislaus and Nativity of Our Lord Catholic grade schools, Richard graduated from St. Paul Central High School. He started work as a teller at The Highland Bank and the many years he spent there were alive with camaraderie and life-long friendships. He then moved to Citizens State Bank in St. Louis Park where he worked until his retirement in 2012.

In 1973 Richard joined the St. Paul Winter Carnival as a member of the Royal Guard charged with protecting the fabled King Boreas. This opportunity led to even more camaraderie and cheer.

In 1987 Richard married Susie Layer and moved across the river to Minneapolis. Children Sarah and Michael came shortly after. They spent summers going up north to the Layer family cabin on Lake Mille Lacs and ultimately built their own cabin on Agate Lake. Richard lived for summer weekends up north. He’d take his family out on his fishing boat for hours, frequently remarking that “a bad day fishing is better than a good day working.”

In addition to fishing, Richard enjoyed taking care of his car while reminiscing about the Chev’s, Bonneville’s, and Mercury’s of the past; serving in leadership roles with the St. Louis Park Rotary Club; reading the newspaper cover to cover; and keeping the yard manicured and the house spotless.

After a lifelong career in banking. Richard turned his passion for cleaning into a small business he called “Wayne Maintenance.” The company specialized in the regular cleaning of his own home and advising his adult children on how to properly maintain their living spaces.

Richard will be remembered for his humility, quiet kindness, and devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Mary Josephine, brother John, and sisters Patricia Leivermann and Cecilia Exner. He is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter,

Sarah; son, Michael (Brooke Marchewka); many sisters- and brothers-in-law, along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at St. Thomas More, 1079 Summit Ave., St. Paul MN with visitation at 9:00 am and Mass at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Our Lady of Peace Hospice: https://ourladyofpeacemn.org.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.