Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, December 20th at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH Chapel and will continue on Tuesday from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Richard William Wurtzberger was born on December 25th, 1944, in Brown County, New Ulm to Ben and Lorene (Kral) Wurtzberger. He graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1962 and enlisted in the Army Reserve. Following his enlistment, Richard attended Mankato State University and eventually transferred to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities where he earned degrees in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Engineering. Prior to taking over the family farm, he taught agriculture at Crestwood High School, Cresco, IA, and agribusiness at South Central College – Mankato. On June 25th, 1977, Richard was united in marriage to Barbara Petersen and together they enjoyed raising their two children and doting on their granddaughter.

Richard was a man of faith who loved his church, family, and farming. He enjoyed being active in various organizations throughout his life including the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, the Hanska Co-op, the Church of St. Mary Choir and various boards and councils at the Church of St. Mary Parish in New Ulm. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and he found great joy and pride in working alongside his son on the farm. When not farming, Richard could be found in his machine sheds modifying his farm machinery and preparing for the next season – something he enjoyed up until the last day of his life. Richard loved to laugh and was always ready to share a joke and a play on words. He was greatly loved by his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Lorene (Kral) Wurtzberger; sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Bill Klein; brother, Dale Wurtzberger; and brother, Ken Wurtzberger; father-in-law, Harald Petersen and sister-in-law, Juli Petersen.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Wurtzberger; children, John (Christy) Wurtzberger, and Sharon (Craig) Deutsch; granddaughter, Clara Deutsch; siblings, Elaine Wurtzberger and friend, John Clyne, Stan (Rose) Wurtzberger, and Linda (Gary) Trimnell; sister-in-law, Cindy Wurtzberger; mother-in-in-law, Marie Petersen; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Church of St. Mary New Ulm, Second Harvest Heartland, or First Choice Pregnancy Services.

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