Richard R Tapio

RICHARD RONALD TAPIO July 4, 1961 - September 28, 2014 Richard Ronald Tapio, age 53, a life long Menahga, MN area resident, peacefully passed from this life on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at the Essentia Health Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota surrounded by his loved ones. Rich was born on July 4, 1961 in Park Rapids, MN to Edward and Eileen (Flanagan) Tapio. He attended public school in Menahga where he grew to manhood. Rich was a long time employee of Noffsinger Manufacturing in Menahga where he worked as a machinist. He enjoyed being part of the production team there and developed many close friendships with the other employees. His life was made complete through his relationship with his sweetheart and companion, Valerie Henn who he has spent the past 17 years with. Rich loved the out doors; especially, fishing, four wheeling, camping and spending time with his family and friends. He was a gifted story teller and loved telling jokes and laughing. Each spring he enjoyed planting a large garden which he and Valerie would nurture into abundant fruition. He also enjoyed planting the many flower beds that beautifully graced their yard. Rich will be remembered as a man who was a good friend to all who knew him. He was always ready to sit, laugh and listen. He could always be counted on and his memory will be fondly recalled with love and smiles. He will be truly missed. He is survived by his sweetheart and partner, Valerie Henn of Menahga; his stepdaughter, Rachael Henn of Minnetonka, MN; his brother, Douglas (Joan) Spencer of Fargo, ND; and his sister, Bernadette Spencer Lipkin of San Antonio, TX; as well as many dearly loved nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. Rich was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Kathleen Marie Munn Zentner and brother, Steven Orville Spencer and his beloved dog, Rufus. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Friday, October 3, 2014 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga. Visitation will begin at 11 AM Friday at the funeral home. The vocalist will his niece, Krystal Hernandez. The active Urn Bearer will be Douglas Zentner. Honorary Urn Bearers will be his friends: Jesse Markkula, Lester Zentner, Gary Odland, Tom Lund, Terry Torvinen, Duane Johnson, David Tomperi, LeRoy Flath and Casey Hand and his nephews: Shane Spencer, and Billy Lund. Following the service, the interment committal will be held at the Hubbard Cemetery near Hubbard where he will be buried next to his brother, Steven. A luncheon will be hosted by the Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post #6206 in Menahga following the committal service. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.cardini-pearson.com.