Obituary for Richard Chenoweth, 85

Richard Chenoweth, 85, of Isanti/Cambridge, Minnesota passed away August 27, 2025. A private family burial will be held in Birchdale, Minnesota.

 

Richard was born at home on February 5, 1940, in a log cabin in Birchdale, Minnesota, the son of Joseph and Margaret Chenoweth. He grew up alongside his sisters, Beverly (Marvin) and Fern (Ron).

 

Richard married June (Bilyeu) Chenoweth, and together they raised two children, Bruce (Sharla Williamson) and Sarah (Jon McClellan). They were later blessed with one granddaughter, Mackenzie McClellan. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June, his parents, and his sister, Fern.

 

A lifelong learner and teacher, Richard graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead before completing a master’s degree at the University of South Dakota. He went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska. Richard spent the majority of his career as a professor of history at North Dakota State University, where he published numerous scholarly works. In addition to teaching, he also served in administrative roles, including Dean of Continuing Studies and Director of Summer School.

 

Richard was an avid reader, especially of history and autobiographies, and could often be found browsing used bookstores. He enjoyed hockey and softball well into his 50s and loved to travel, visiting England, Iceland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and taking a European cruise with June. Together, they also explored many corners of the United States.

 

In 2004, Richard and June moved from Moorhead to Isanti, where they made their home to be closer to their children and granddaughter. In later years, Richard moved to Cambridge, where he lived at GracePointe Crossing Assisted Living and Memory Care.

 

Above all, Richard cherished time with his family. His sharp wit, love of history, and devotion to those he loved will be remembered always.

 

Memorials may be directed to dementia research in his honor: Alzheimer’s Association MN/ND.  Online condolences can be placed at StrikeLifeTributes.com.