In Memoriam - Richard Mahowald '64 - Saint John's Prep

Richard Mahowald ’64 May 9, 1946-December 8, 2023

Richard Butler Mahowald passed away from congenital heart failure on December 8, 2023. Richard was born on May 9, 1946, to Dr. Ralph & Dorothy (Butler) Mahowald in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He attended St. Mary’s grade school. Richard graduated from Saint John’s Prep in Collegeville, Minnesota in 1964. He earned a BA/BS Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Dakota in 1971.

Richard was a player/manager of the El Roco Men’s Fastpitch Team from 1966-1974. He worked at Dunamatic and Richmond Engineering. When Richard retired, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona – an 18-year stint – where he worked for the Marriott Corporation, Thompson Associates, and the Mahowald Family Trust.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph & Dorothy; brother, Ralph; and sister, Mary. Richard is survived by his sister, Margo (Lou) Doll; brother, Michael (Ann Fluharty); twin sister, Leslie (George) Fairfield; and multiple nieces & nephews.

Richard, with profound gratitude, thanks the priests & nuns of St. Mary’s, the members of the Benedictine Monastery of Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, all the athletics he played throughout high school, college, and with El Roco Softball. A special thank you to the men and women of Alcoholics Anonymous: “The greatest gift I ever received was my sobriety” (45 years on September 23, 2023). Richard extends his fondest, best wishes to Kristie Jill Martin: all her sisters, brother, and their mother, Luella. They accepted him as he was. Richard loved his family, he appreciated his education, he was earnest, honest, and outspoken. Richard failed many times but worked hard to overcome his deficiencies. What more can one ask for? “Look, Zuzu’s petals!” – It’s A Wonderful Life A Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held at a later date.