Richard Emmett Burt

Richard “Dick” Emmett Burt, 88, of Red Wing, died Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Benedictine Care Center in Red Wing MN. He was born March 13, 1938 in Decorah IA to Emmett and Jalma (Sampson) Burt. The family moved several times before finally settling in Harmony MN, where he attended school and ultimately graduated from high school. Growing up, he enjoyed sports of all kinds, and played baseball and basketball up until 9 th grade, when he contracted polio. It left him with one leg shorter than the other but didn’t slow him down. After graduating high school, he worked various jobs including IBM, and ultimately First National Bank in Computer Operations. He started dating Emily (Emy) Todd in 1957, and they were married September 10, 1960. They bought their first house in St Louis Park in 1962. In January 1963, they welcomed their first child, Jennifer Ann. Kerry Sue followed in July 1964. In 1967, the family moved to Bloomington MN. While there, they cared for foster babies. In 1969, they had qualified to adopt. Todd came to them at the age of 4 days, and the family was complete. In 1972, they bought the hobby farm that became the family’s home until 2026. Extensive home remodeling projects, putting up fences for the animals his wife and kids loved and he tolerated, and so much mowing filled his life. He coached softball and was always in attendance at his kids’ games and any other events with which they were involved. Always present, always interested, he found joy in the daily responsibilities of raising a family and maintaining a home and farm. He retired from the bank at the age of 60. He and Emy traveled, taking trips to Italy, Norway and Greece. In 2001, their first grandchild, Grace, arrived. Meili followed in 2004, and Lillian in 2008. He loved spending time with his granddaughters, and they loved spending time with him. Rides on the lawn mower, naps on the recliner, and hanging out at the bowling alley with Grandpa are treasured memories. He loved mowing, and he spent a good deal of time doing it, whistling the entire time. He served on church councils, ushered, and both he and Emy volunteered for many organizations throughout the years. In 2025, Dick and Emy moved into The Villa / Benedictine Living Community. His dementia robbed him of many memories, but in spite of this, he still remembered his family to whom he’d devoted himself. He will be missed greatly by family and friends alike.

He is survived by his wife, Emy; children Jenny, Kerry and Todd, grandchildren Grace, Meili and Lillian, nieces Wendy Burt & Kristi Burt, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Leslie (Ardelle) Burt.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Reverend Amy Larson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church.

Memorials preferred to St Paul's Lutheran Church or Benedictine Living Community.

We would like to thank the many people who have provided so much help and support over the past year and a half. The neighbors and friends "up on the hill" have done so much watching over the farm, helping in countless ways to keep things from falling apart. We appreciate it more than words can express. We've been blessed with 54 years in a community that supports without hesitation, provides friendships without stipulation, and is there for each other without being asked. You have our deepest gratitude, and the next caretakers of "the farm" have no idea how lucky they will be to be counted among you.

Thank you to the staff and residents of Benedictine Living Community for their care and kindness for the past year and a half, and thank you to St Croix Hospice for their support over the past few weeks. It is deeply appreciated.