Richard (Dick) James Rafferty

RAFFERTY Richard “Dick” Age 89 Proud WWII Veteran from Charlie Co. of the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Division. Earned a Purple Heart. Accomplished architect and business owner who in 1961, with his brother George, founded what is now known as Rafferty, Rafferty, Tollefson, Lindeke Architects. Richard’s firm has gone on to great acclaim within the architectural profession in Minnesota. Considered one of St Paul's premier firms, recipients of numerous awards for design excellence during the 52 years of his professional practice, including the AIA Minnesota Firm Award. He was honored with Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects in 1988 for a lifetime of achievement, one of the highest professional honors bestowed nationally. He loved what he did and never thought of it as work. He traveled to many places in his life both in the US and in Europe. He always took time to walk the streets and admire the architecture. Avid skier and golfer. He skied until age 85 and in the last few years he missed that more than anything. Loved airplanes and flying. Always sat by the window so he could follow the route on a map from his seat on the plane. Preceded in death by parents, James and Grace Rafferty; and sister, Eileen Gangl. Survived by wife of 63 years, Margaret “Mark”; children, Mary, Timothy (Dawn), Terence, Patrick, Brian, Megan (Mark Lewis); grandchildren, Colleen, Kristine (Mike) Bohlsen, Nolan, Max Arvidson, Kelsey (Robbie) McCollum; great-grandson, Owen Bohlsen; siblings, George (Betty), Grace Marie (Robert) Nord, Robert (Peggy); and many nieces and nephews. Dick will also be remembered by many friends and former colleagues. Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 AM Friday, February 14, 2014 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Visitation 4-8 PM Thursday at Mueller Lake Mortuary, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave. and also one hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the church. Interment St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Cemetery, White Bear Lake.