Richard John Brostrom

Richard John Brostrom, 59, of Red Wing, passed away with his loving wife and family by his side, on Friday, November 22, 2019. He was born July 17, 1960, in Wadena, Minnesota to Gerald and Joyce (Simmons)Brostrom. He grew up in the Wadena area and was raised by his grandparents, Richard and Geneva Simmons. He was a graduate of the Bertha/Hewitt High School class of 1978. After a short stint at the U of MN Morris, he enlisted in the US Army and began his life-long career of service to his country. Throughout his exemplary military career, Rich served in Germany, Korea, combat operations in Kosovo, Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. While serving as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot in Operation Desert Storm, he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for volunteering to be the transport ship during a deep raid across enemy lines, functioning as the Command and Control aircraft, and an immediate rescue response. On July 22nd, 2000, he was united in marriage to the love of his life and best friend, Rhonda Jones. Together they embarked in life side by side that took them around the world through his military career. In 2008, they moved to Red Wing, where he built their bluff-top home, a place where they could center themselves after their distant travels and his many tours abroad. It was here that Rich, a skilled carpenter, enjoyed his many hobbies - making duck decoys, working with bees, crafting his own beer, and smoking meat. Together, he and Rhonda owned and operated Wuff-Da Dog Wash and Salon in Red Wing, where he coined his phrase, "dirty dogs, done dirt cheap". After retirement, Rich continued service to his country and the world of aviation, contracting overseas in austere environments as an instructor pilot. He maintained his reputation as a great mentor and ultimate professional, training foreign students for combat operations in a specialized, non-standard helicopter. Rich gained the respect and admiration of his colleagues, at home and abroad. All wished to emulate his "Lead by Example" code of honor. His nature as a kind, gentle man, friend and brother to all, will remain with us eternally. Rich will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Rhonda; his dogs, Piper, Kricket and Amelia Airedale aka, Emma; 3 children, Bianca (Anthony) Houpe of Wilmington, NC, Kaiscy Richardson of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Sheldon Pais of Washington D.C.; 4 grandchildren, Payton, Ava, Kayden and Cash; his father, Gerald (Jean) of Burnsville; siblings, Julie Brostrom of Gresham, OR, Bob (Janine) of Sebeka, Liz Brostrom of St. Cloud, Robyn (Chase) Martin of Eden Prairie and Erik (Meredith) Brostrom of St. Bonifacius and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother; grandmother, Geneva; dear uncle Dick and his 3 special dogs, Becka, Cody and Teddy. Rich's burial with full military honors will be conducted at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on Friday, November 29, 2019 at 1:45 p.m. Please meet at Assembly Area 3 by 1:30 p.m. Afterwards, family and friends will gather starting at 3:30 p.m. at the American Legion in Red Wing.

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Graveside Service

NOV 29. 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM (CST)

Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN, 55450

Gathering of family and friends

NOV 29. 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM (CST)

American Legion Leo C. Peterson #54
218 W 4th Street
Red Wing, MN, 55066