Richard Robert Toenyan

Richard R. Toenyan, 95, longtime resident of Hibbing died Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing.  He was born October 30, 1928 to Robert and Rose (Weber) Toenyan in St. Rosa, Minnesota.  After school, Richard proudly served his country in the U.S. Army with the 82^nd Airborne Division.  He entered the Sacrament of Marriage with Lucilla Fladung on June 30, 1956 in Blackduck, MN.  Richard was employed with American Linen, and later worked in the stockroom with St. Louis County.  Richard and his wife, Lucilla, established the Swan Lake Campground in 1969 and operated it until 1980.  He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing.  Richard was active in Knights of Columbus where he achieved past Grand Knight and District Deputy.  He was a member of the American Legion, the Hibbing Moose Lodge, and was an Ombudson for the local nursing homes and their patients.  He was a do it yourselfer and jack of all trades, he liked to putz on things.  Mostly, Richard had a passion for music.  He was a talented musician and played piano, accordion, concertina, and sang as well.  Richard was a lead in various bands and loved to play for people.  He also enjoyed entertaining the local nursing homes with his music. 

            He is survived by his children, Joyce Toenyan of Hibbing, MN, and Duane (Betty) Toenyan, Prior Lake, MN, siblings, Mildred Toenyan, Clara Toenyan, and Barbara (Kurt) Pietrzak, four grandchildren, Kate (Thad) Riggle, Teresa (Sam) Sajevic, Stephanie (Josh Trudel) Otero, and Elizabeth (Mike) Magnusson, 11 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, Rob (Patti) Gutzke, Nikki (Mike) Thraen, and Jayson Gutzke, along with many nieces and nephews.

            He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucilla, parents, Robert and Rose (Weber) Toenyan, brother, Clarence Toenyan and sister Sr. Rosemary Toenyan OSJ.   

            Funeral services for Richard will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing.  The Rev. Fr. Daniel Weiske will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial.  The visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral Mass at the church on Tuesday.  Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing.  Richard’s family would like to send a sincere thank you to Fairview’s ICU staff, and Morgan, Brady, Ashley, Jill, and Jessie for the loving care he received in his final days.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.