Richard Walter Poegel

Richard Poegel, 51, of Bertha passed away October 19, 2023 at the St. Cloud Hospital after health complications. 

Richard Walter Poegel was born on November 27, 1971 to Bernard and Marlys (Rosenow) Poegel of Long Prairie, Minnesota.  Richard grew up on the family farm with his mom, siblings, family, and friends helping to raise him after his dad passed away when he was just six weeks old. Richard enjoyed helping on the farm, playing with the neighbor boys, riding bikes, and taking walks in the woods. He was baptized and confirmed at American Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. Richard graduated from Long Prairie High School and then entered the work force-employed at Donny’s Warehouse, Long Praire Packing Company, Central Bi-products, Medical Arts Press,  Moreys Fish, and Walmart.

 Richard fell in love and married Tina Smieja on October 8, 2005 at their home in Long Prairie, MN.  With this union, Richard became a stepfather to Tina’s four children.  As a new family, they enjoyed going to garage sales, growing flowers/plants, being outdoors, going fishing, and spending time with family. They then moved to Bertha, MN to raise the boys, Cody and Christopher.  Richard was always very supportive and helpful in raising the  boys. He had a good sense of humor that had his family and friends chuckling. He was strong-willed and determined, once his mind was made up it was almost impossible to change it. His devotion to his wife was never-ending shown by how he was by Tina’s side when she was diagnosed and treated for her cancer.  She lost that battle on July 26, 2013.

After a long battle with COPD, Richard developed pneumonia and respiratory failure and passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 51.

 He leaves behind his siblings: Tom (Peggy) Poegel, Mark (Rachel) Poegel,  and Judy (Robert) Palbicki; nieces and nephews: Jennifer (Joseph) Muenzhuber, Sam (Kaley) Poegel, Christina Tauber, Tracy (Jason) Sellnow, Bernard (Steph) Poegel, Melissa (Dan) Frette, Cody Palbicki and Kyle Palbicki; Stepkids: Jeffery, Darcie, Cody, and Christopher; aunts: Della (Bob) Bohlken and Kathy Poegel; and many family and friends. Richard is  joined in heaven with his wife: Tina; parents: Bernard and Marlys Poegel; infant brother and sister; aunts and uncles; other family and friends.

A Service will be held Saturday October 28, 11:00am at Iten's Funeral Home in Browerville, MN.

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