Richard E Daws

Richard Edmund Daws, 86, Grand Forks, ND formerly of Michigan, ND, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Richard Edmund Daws was born on June 5, 1935 to Lynne and Anna (Dusbabek) Daws on the family farm north of Michigan, ND. Richard graduated from Michigan Public School in 1953 and went on to attend North Dakota State University.  Richard entered the Army serving from 1955 to 1957 earning the rank of Specialist Third Class. He then returned to the family farm, known as Sunny View Farm, to work along side his father Lynne.

On June 29, 1958 Richard married Carol Marie Ensrud. Together they continued the family farm’s legacy raising small grains and registered Angus livestock while raising their six children until her passing on July 19, 1990.

Richard was very well known in the agriculture community taking great pride in his farm and livestock herd. His herd was represented and earned awards in many county, regional and national shows. He took great pride in the awards earned at the Valley City Winter Show and National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO. Following retirement from the farm he enjoyed continuing to work in the field whenever possible. He particularly enjoyed visits from the grandchildren in the field to ride along side him. When not busy on the farm he enjoyed hunting which also included numerous moose hunting excursions and ice fishing along with boating trips to Canada. Richard was a lifelong NDSU Bison football fan and also enjoyed attending UND basketball games.

On April 6, 1991 Richard exchanged vows with Sylvia Alme.  For 30 years they enjoyed countless trips across the country enjoying new experiences and adventures together.

Richard was instrumental in many organizations including the ND Barley Council which included numerous trips overseas promoting the growth of the barley industry. He spent countless hours volunteering for the Nelson County Historical Society at Stump Lake Park and was a member of the Stump Lake Tractor Club. He also enjoyed volunteering and attending parades as a member of the Kem Temple Shriners.  Other organizations through the years included the US Feed Grains Council, Michigan Public School Board, Nelson County Water Board, Michigan Duffers Club and ND Angus Association.

Richard will be deeply missed by his wife Sylvia and children Susan (Mark) Feick of Plymouth, WI, Greg (Sylvia) Daws of Michigan, ND, Pamela Daws of Walla Walla, WA, Donovan (Dawn) Daws of Loveland, CO, Doug (Daneen) Daws of Cumming, GA and Bob (Dena) Daws of Grand Forks, ND. In addition, he welcomed Sylvia’s children; Jeff Alme of Michigan, ND and June (Dennis) Franzen of Lake Havasu, AZ.  Richard was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Read of Lebanon, NH and sister-in-law Mary Anne Daws of Michigan, ND.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Carol, brother James, and parents Lynne and Anna Daws.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021 from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Aaker Funeral Home, Lakota, ND.  Memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 13, 2021 with visitation one hour prior to the service, at Petersburg Lutheran Church, Petersburg, ND.  Burial will be held at the Michigan, ND Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Nelson County Historical Society, Michigan Cemetery or Michigan Ambulance Service.  

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