Richard Berttunen

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Richard Harvey Berttunen, 73, of Winkelman, Arizona, and Clearbrook, Minnesota. Richard passed away in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on May 13, 2026, following a brief hospitalization.

Born on August 6, 1953, to Robert and Edna (Haverinen) Berttunen, Richard graduated from Menahga Public School in 1971. A true jack-of-all-trades, Richard’s career spanned many roles. He worked with his brother at the family-owned Menahga Concrete Products, tried his hand at dairy farming, worked as a pipeline welder, ran his own repair shop, and spent many years as a truck driver—beginning with log hauling and later moving to long-haul trucking.

In the second half of his life, Richard discovered a deep love for Arizona. After initially trucking in the south, he began flipping houses. He loved "tinkering," and this business allowed him to apply his skills in plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry while enjoying the escape from the Minnesota cold. In 2005, he purchased a home and land near Winkelman, where he and his wife, Sandy, lived for many years. Recently, they became "snowbirds," spending their summers in Clearbrook, Minnesota, to be near their grandchildren.

Richard was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to many. He always enjoyed a good story and cherished time spent visiting with loved ones.

Richard is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra (Sibrava); his daughter, Megan (Josh) Warmbold of Clearbrook, MN; his son, Jacob Berttunen of Tucson, AZ; his granddaughters, Isabella and Evelyn Warmbold, and brother, Robert Berttunen Jr (Linda) of Menahga, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Edna Berttunen.

At Richard’s request, no funeral service will be held. Instead, we ask that you remember him at his best—visiting, sharing stories, or fixing things.