Richard Charles Hemingway, 86, of the Taopi, Minn. area died Tuesday morning, Oct. 20, 2009, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Richard was born on Sept. 13, 1923, the son of Porter E. and Luella (Peterson) Hemingway in Mayville, Minn. He attended Hayfield High School and graduated in 1941. He served in the U.S. Air Force for three years. Richard was married to Carol Mattson on Aug. 1, 1943, in Hayfield. Carol died in 1989. He married Shirley Swank on Dec. 1, 2001, in Lyle, Minn.

Throughout his life Richard was a successful self-employed businessman. He owned and operated a feed business and farmed in the Hayfield and Elkton areas. His greatest venture was being the proud owner of The Rusty Rail in Taopi from 1969-1983. Dick loved his grandchildren, gardening, sports, and was known for his quick smile, firm handshake and pats on the back.

Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley Hemingway, Taopi area; two sons, Richard C. (Barbara) Hemingway, Tonasket, Wash., Rande C. (Cleone) Hemingway, Taopi; two daughters, RoeAnn (Randy) Voigt, Taopi, Renee Hemingway, Fairmont, Minn.; four stepdaughters, Jody Swank, Clarinda, Iowa, Lori (Dave) Olsen, Canon City, Colo., Mary (Dale) Svoboda, Austin, Theresa (Jerry) Hanson, Adams, Minn.; three stepsons, Jerry Swank, Jr., Alma, Ark., Donny (Dee) Swank, North Mankato, Minn., Michael Swank, Dodge Center, Minn.; 30 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Betty Weeks, Bloomington, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Carol; one son, Ryan; one brother, James; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Visitation will be from 4 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2009 at the Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Hayfield. There will be a private family interment service at Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield.

Blessed be his memory.