Obituary of Richard Lee Anfinson

Richard Lee Anfinson

A son, brother, uncle, friend - passed away on July 2, 2023 at the age of 80 years. Dick was a resident of Woodbury, MN at the time of his death but his heart was in the Minneapolis area where he grew up and lived most of his life. Dick was born to Geraldine (Gerry) Rae Baker Anfinson and Joseph (Joe) Selmer Anfinson on November 1, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN. He graduated from West High School in 1960 where he excelled in football and basketball. He attended Macalester College, enlisted in the Army Reserves then graduated from St. Cloud State. Friends from both high school and SCS, especially Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, remained lifelong friends.

Following SCS, Dick worked for Academic Press in sales. He began his photography sales experiences with GAF and eventually established his own company – Anfinson & Associates where Dick worked as an independent sale representative for photographic equipment and supplies througout the Midwest. Tamarac honored Dick as sales representative of the year 8 times.

Dick's first love was his family and friends. He loved his three nieces and was the best uncle, attending swim meets, games and graduations. He invited his nieces along with friends for boat rides on Lake Minnetonka. Many of their friends referred to him as "Uncle Dick”! The next love was reading as he always carried a book with him. He also loved to travel - China, Japan, Guatemala, Mexico, Europe. His regret was not getting to Australia. He enjoyed wintering in California, inviting family and friends to join him, and loved touring wine country.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents Geraldine and Joseph Anfinson, grandparents Maude Ramsey Baker and Haskel S. Baker, Sophia Roland Anfinson and Jacob Anfinson along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his brother, Terry Joseph Anfinson (Leslie) formerly of Milaca, MN now Woodbury, MN; nieces: Allison Blair Anfinson (Jonathan Thorson) of Woodbury, MN; Jennifer Rae Anfinson (Patrick Hile) of Eden Prairie, MN; and Sarah Lynn Anfinson of Richmond, VA; grandniece Stella Ruth Thorson and grandnephew Carter Henry Hile; and longtime friend, fellow traveler and business associate Macki Townsend.

Celebration of Life service is planned for Saturday, August 12 at 2:00 PM at the Cremation of Society of Minnesota St. Paul Chapel 1979 Old Hudson Road, St. Paul, MN 55119. A gathering of friends and family will immediately follow the service. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cremation Society of Minnesota.