Richard M. Day, 82, of Bemidji died Monday, Oct.  15, 2018 at Mayo in Rochester following heart surgery.

Memorial services will be at 1:30  p.m. Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Bemidji with the Rev. Corey Fuhrman officiating. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Bemidji. Arrangements were entrusted to the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home in Bemidji.

Richard Day was born April 29, 1936, in Morristown to Merton and Gertrude (Kaul) Day. He graduated from Austin High School. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army for three years.

On March 25, 1956, he married Ann Marie E. Nerad of Myrtle.

Following his military service, he continued his formal education, which included bachelor’s and master’s degrees in French, Spanish and English; and a Ph.D. in romance languages. He taught French for two years in Fergus Falls and 31 years at Bemidji State University.

His life represented a love for his wife, Ann Marie. He valued his family, friends, mountains and sunsets. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, gardening, all other outdoor activities and helping others.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie; his son, Vincent (Paula); granddaughter, Anna; grandson, Lucas; and a great-grandson, Briar.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are preferred to First Lutheran Church and Bemidji State University.

An online guestbook can be found at www.OlsonSchwartzFuneralHome.com.