Richard M. Harper - Brookings

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Richard M. Harper, 88, retired United Methodist minister, died on Oct. 10, 2018, in Brookings. 

A celebration of his life will be held at Messiah Church in Plymouth, Minnesota, on Nov. 3, at 11a.m.

He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and graduated from Harding High School, Macalester College, and Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago (now Garrett Theological Seminary, Northwestern University). Richard married Shirley Spencer in 1950, and they served churches in Le Sueur  and Le Center, Rochester (Bethany), Plymouth (Messiah), and Mounds-view, Minnesota. He was district superintendent of the Metro West District in the Twin Cities from 1978-1985. 

Richard is survived by his three children: Ruth Harper (Larry Rogers) of Brookings, Emily Levine (Robert Levine and son Sam) of Milwaukee and Paul Harper (Teresa Welborn and daughter Clare) of Austin, Texas. He had a local grandchild, Maggie Miller (Mitchell Miller) and great-grandchild (Maxwell Miller). Little Max brought him special joy. Granddaughter Libby Bailey (Mario Garcia) live in Denver. Numerous loved nieces and nephews, mostly in the Twin Cities area, also survive him. 

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Spencer), and his four brothers. 

Richard was a skilled musician who played piano and organ. 

He sang in and directed many choirs throughout his lifetime, including the Elizabethan Syngers in his retirement, a group that performed Renaissance music in many Twin Cities venues. He was active in progressive political campaigns and causes.

Richard lived at StoneyBrook Suites in Brookings from Oct. 1, 2016 – Oct. 10, 2018. He appreciated the caring staff and said he “learned a lot about farming” from other friendly residents. He joined Brookings United Methodist Church and attended regularly, including the Sunday before his death. He greatly enjoyed musical performances at SDSU, and especially loved the holiday madrigal dinner.