Richard M. Day, 82, of Bemidji, Minnesota, died Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, following heart surgery.

Richard Day was born April 29, 1936, in Morristown, Minnesota, to Merton and Gertrude (Kaul) Day. He graduated from Austin High School. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army for three years. On March 25, 1956, he married Ann Marie E. Nerad of Myrtle, Minnesota. Following his military service, he continued his formal education, which included a bachelors and master’ degree in French, Spanish and English and a Ph.D. in romance languages. He taught French for two years in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and 31 years at Bemidji State University. His life represented a love for his wife, Ann Marie. He valued his family, friends, mountains and sunsets. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, gardening, all other outdoor activities, and helping others.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie; his son Vincent (Paula); granddaughter, Anna; grandson, Lucas; and great-grandson, Briar.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, at First Lutheran Church in Bemidji with Pastor Corey Fuhrman officiating. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery im Bemidji. Arrangements were entrusted to the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church and Bemidji State University. An online guestbook can be signed at www.OlsonSchwartzFuneralHome.com.