Richard Clayton Safar

Richard Clayton Safar, known to everyone as Rick, was born on September 9, 1947, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He passed peacefully on February 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of his cherished family. Rick led a life steeped in hard work and devotion, always finding joy in the simple yet significant moments that punctuated his days.

From a young age, Rick dedicated himself to farming, contributing to the family farm and offering his services to neighbors. His journey took a pivotal turn when he was drafted in 1968. With unwavering determination, he completed basic training at Fort Lewis in Washington and underwent AIT training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Rick proudly served overseas in Germany and returned home honorably discharged in April of 1974. His military service was marked by commendable achievements, including receiving a Certificate of Achievement for Meritorious Service as a Flash Observer and recognition for his Embassy Service from September 1968 to April 1970.

Though he would go on to obtain his GED while in the military and later receive a diploma in diesel mechanics from Detroit Lakes Tech in 1971, Rick’s true education lay in his hands-on experiences. A blend of tenacity and creativity defined Rick’s approach to life, constantly inventing and tinkering, whether it was playing his beloved guitar—always within arm's reach—or finding innovative uses for scrap iron from his property’s junk pile.

Rick’s personal life flourished alongside his career. In October of 1977, he entered into matrimony with Michele McDougall, a partnership filled with love and mutual respect that lasted 47 years. Together, they welcomed a loving family, comprised of daughters Nicole [Darin] Heston, Carrie [Chris] LeDoux, Carmen [Austin] Laeger and sons Matthew [Tiffany] Safar, Joshua [Rachel] Safar, and Zachariah [Kathryn] Safar. The couple was further blessed with 19 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, whose bright smiles brought him immeasurable joy. 

Rick was a man of many flavors—devoted, loving, faithful, and industrious. He was mechanical and musical, with a stubborn streak that often drove him to complete ambitious projects around the farm and in the workshop. He also lived his life grounded in family values and possessed a creativity that allowed him to bring new ideas to fruition. Despite facing a long battle with cancer, diagnosed in 2020, Rick remained a pillar of strength and love for his family, always demonstrating the resilience that characterized his life.

Rick is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joseph and Lillian [Olson] Safar, and his sisters, Arlene Engelmeier and Elaine Luptak. He is survived by his dear wife Michele, his children, his sisters Sharon Wischnak and Bev Andersen, as well as his brothers, Ronald {Betty} Safar, Joseph Jr. {Joan} Safar, and Duane {Barb} Safar. Rick is also survived by his adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry his legacy of love and creativity forward.

Rick Safar touched the lives of those around him with his warmth and dedication. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, as they remember not only his accomplishments but the love that he gave so freely. A visitation will take place on February 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM, both held at First Baptist Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. A graveside service will take place at Ogema Community Cemetery at 2:00 PM, providing a serene moment to reflect on a life well-lived.

Rick may have departed from our earthly realm, but his legacy will forever endure in the stories shared and the love that binds his family together.