Richard (Dick) Arnold Fox, 91, of Rosemount, Minnesota, passed away peacefully June 11, 2025. Richard, the son of John and Clara (Conzemius) Fox, was born September 14, 1933, in Hastings, Minnesota.
Richard lived his life to the fullest, letting his passions guide his way. He was a long-time farmer in rural Rosemount, where his dedication to agriculture led him to win numerous awards, including several Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year awards. His most prized award was being named the 1994 Dakota County Farm Family of the Year.
His love of pumpkins and fall led him to open his own farm market in 2001. He began selling pumpkins, gourds, squash, Indian corn, and other fall produce right on the farm. As the years went by, his market evolved into the Fox Farm Market, open for both the fall and winter seasons. His vision for the market became a beloved tradition for not only his own family, but families all around the state who would make an annual trip just to hear his stories.
Richard was also passionate about giving back to his community. When he was young, he was very involved with St. Agatha’s Catholic Church in Coates, as well as an active member of the Farmers Union Coop, the MN Pork Producers, and was a long-time board member of Federal Land Bank. One of his most loved organizations to give back to was Dakota County 4-H. He was a lifelong member and adult volunteer with the Happy-Go-Getters 4-H Club for over 50 years.
Although Richard got older, he always remained a child at heart. His love for antiques led him to collect toys he wished he would have had when he was young, and his eyes always lit up every winter when the Christmas lights and decorations came out.
Richard’s greatest passion in life was his family. He adored his children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to support them in following their own dreams through life.
Richard is survived by his wife, Joan (Reissner) Fox; his children, John Fox, Jennifer (Mitch Prokop) Stancer, Chris (Elizabeth) Stancer, and Mike (Tari) Stancer; his grandchildren, Dwayne Gunderson-Stancer, Rachel (Jacob) Robinson, Alex, Sierra, and Silas Stancer, Emma, Abigail, and David Stancer; and great-granddaughter, Haley Mae Robinson. He is also survived by brothers, Joseph Fox and Marty (Joanne) Fox; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Richard is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Fran Fox; daughters, Maureen and Mary Lee Fox; son, David Stancer; and siblings, Lucille (Fox) Bauer and Henry Fox.
A visitation was held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, Hastings. Mass of Christian Burial will take place TODAY, Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th Street West, Hastings, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow the Mass at the church. Burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings.
