Richard Robert Kain, 86, resident of Lakefield, Minnesota died peacefully on Friday, Dec 18th, 2020, at Valley View Assisted Living Center. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 10:30 AM at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona. Inurnment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Algona with military honors conducted. Richard's family will greet friends from 9:30 AM Saturday until time of service at the funeral home. The funeral and graveside service will be live-streamed on Oakcrest Funeral Services Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/oakcrestfuneralservices.
Richard was born on April 22nd, 1934 in Wesley, Iowa; the son of Robert and Verna Kain. Richard grew up on the family farm north of Sexton, Iowa. He attended high school in Algona, Iowa and graduated in 1952.
During high school, Richard was a 3 time runner-up, state championship wrestler for the Algona Bulldogs. After high school, Richard and his brother Bob set out on a cross country trip in a 1938 Ford with mechanical brakes. They had many adventures and it was during this time that Richard worked briefly at Yellowstone National Park and for the Boeing Aircraft Company before making his way back to the family farm. Richard and his twin brother Robert were then called to active duty in the U.S Navy and proudly served from 1955 to 1957 aboard the destroyer USS Isherwood. They patrolled waters throughout the Pacific and crossed the equator, thus earning the coveted "Shellback" title. After his military discharge, Richard was united in marriage to Donna (Cushman) Kain. They were blessed with 5 children, Kelly, Kolleen, Kirk, Karla and Kevin. The family lived on the Kain farm outside of Algona where they raised crops and livestock until moving into town. Richard then worked on the construction of grain elevators for Quad States throughout the Midwest. He and Donna later parted ways. Richard then enjoyed many years with his second wife, Janice (Goodchild) Kain and her children, Bob, Deb, Dennis and Doug. The extended family resided in Fenton, Iowa. From there, Richard and Janice moved to Dallas, Texas where Richard worked as an armored truck driver for Loomis Financial. Upon retirement, they relocated to Wahpeton, Iowa. Although no longer married, Richard and Janice maintained a lifelong, loving relationship and moved to Lakefield, Minnesota where they both resided at Valley View Assisting Living Center until his recent passing.
Richard was a licensed pilot and enjoyed recreational flying in his younger years. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing in Red Lake, Canada and picnics on the farm with his family. He was an active member of AA and was proud of his years of sobriety. He was a wonderful story teller and singer like his father before him. All that knew him said he was a kind, gentle man and a stranger to none.
Richard's spirit lives on through his sons, Kirk and Kevin Kain; daughters, Kelly Reed and Karla Mackins; stepsons, Bob and Dennis Goodchild; stepdaughter, Deb Mueller; sons-in-law, Mark Reed, Ruben Acosta and Billy Mackins; daughter-in-law Cynthia Kain; twelve grandchildren: Adam and Ariel Reed, Jordan and Kobe Mackins, Bryce, Brett and Braelynn Kain, AJ Oliver, Michael and Meredith Matson, Holly and Shane Mueller along with ten great grandchildren: Tyler and Walker Reed, Adaline and Odessa Kvam, Avery Oliver, Grace and Luke Kain, Edin Vigdal, Ava Avaro and Jonas Munoz.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Robert and Verna Kain; twin brother, Robert Kain; daughter, Kolleen; stepson, Doug Goodchild and ex-wife, Donna Kain.
He is also survived by his sister Sharon Myers of Flagstaff, AZ and his ex-wife and partner Janice Kain.
The family would like to thank the staff of Valley View Assisting Living Center for their loving support and passionate care of Richard.
Tributes
Nancy Berhow wrote on Dec 22, 2020:
"My husband Duaine Berhow was a friend of the Kain family and spoke of them often when recalling his younger days. Duaine died in 2017. Duaine's first wife died of cancer. I married Duaine in 1970 and we were blessed with 46 years together. We had four children... two by his first marriage and then two girls together. I'm sorry for your loss! When I heard this I thought to myself I have to be sure to tell Duaine. (Things like that happen to me yet every once in awhile.) Duaine and I lived on an acreage in Cannon Falls Minnesota for 46 years. I have since moved into town! May God be with you as you celebrate Richard's life! Nancy Berhow"
Kim Cook Mayer wrote on Dec 22, 2020:
"Thinking of all of Dickie\'s family; his memory lives in all of you. I have childhood memories of Dickie, his brother and their kids from many visits to Algona. It is great that you will be able to come together in the summer to celebrate his life. Go in peace Dickie. Kim Cook Mayer (daughter of Dickie\'s cousin, Nancy Kain)"
Ann Schwetye wrote on Dec 21, 2020:
"I am so sorry to hear of Dickie\'s passing. I always enjoyed and was in awe of both Dickie and his twin brother, Bobby. They were great storytellers like their dad, my Uncle Robbie. Ann"
Darin Kain wrote on Dec 21, 2020:
"When Uncle Dickie\'s twin brother, my father Bobbie, passed away I\'ll always remember Dickie saying \"My Lord, Bobbie is gone.\" Well now I can repeat his sentiments; My Lord, Dickie is gone. The two are finally together, planning a fishing trip I\'m sure. We\'ve heard the term home away from home, well Uncle Dickie was my Dad away from Dad when I needed him. His look, his talk, his mannerisms. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the \"K\" cousins. Take comfort that he lived a long, good life and loved you all very much as we do. Darin"
Randy and Dawn Bjustrom wrote on Dec 20, 2020:
"Uncle Dick was such a loving soul! He loved his family and was so proud of all their accomplishments! It was so comforting to visit him. He always had words of encouragement and kind words to share, and being an identical twin of my father, it was like I was getting a price of my dad in him! God rest in piece, Dickie, and enjoy your reunion with ?Dad, Grandma, and Pompo!? All my love .... Dawn"