Richard Mende

Richard W. Mende, age 58, of Mankato, died on Friday, May 28, 2010 at Immanuel St. Joseph's- Mayo Health System in Mankato.   Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Mankato with Rev. Jack Dahl officiating.   Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home in Janesville and will continue on Wednesday morning for one hour prior to services, at church.   Richard William was born on April 17, 1952 in Waseca, Minnesota to Caleb and Mabel (Ewert) Mende. Richard graduated from Janesville High School in 1970, and went on to attend M.S.U. in Mankato. On November 25, 1972 he was united in marriage to Jean Marie Fennert at First Lutheran Church in Waldorf. Richard and Jean lived in Janesville before moving to Mankato. Richard worked in auto sales for Clements in Mankato, Harry Brown's in Faribault, and for two years as owner an operator of his own used car dealership in Janesville. He then worked in electrical maintenance for Crysteel Manufacturing Inc. in Lake Crystal, and Phoenix Bio Composites in Mankato. He later was employed as a purchaser for Cuddy Mechanical in Mankato, and most recently was employed with LeSueur Incorporated in LeSueur. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Mankato, and the Sons of The American Legion Post #11 in Mankato. Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing, and time spent with family and friends.   He is survived by his wife Jean of Mankato; by foster children Gordon Abbe, Jr. and Penny Abbe, both of Mankato; by two foster grandchildren; by his brothers Roger Mende of Hollywood, CA, and Scott (Pat) Mende of Madison Lake; by many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.    He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Alan Mende, and his nephew Chris Mende.   Casketbearers are: Gerald Stanke, Brian Hinderscheit, Aaron Mende, James Abbe, Lynn Jewison, Glenn Ewert, Rick McColley, and Andy Sandberg.