Richard Joseph Brey, age 81 of Milroy, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023 surround by family at home after a battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2023 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Lucan. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 21 at church with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment will be in the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Richard Joseph Brey was born August 10, 1941 to Joseph and Mary (Goblirsch) Brey in Granite Rock Township, Redwood County, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Lucan. He attended Milroy Public Schools. On July 15, 1967, Rich was united in marriage to Barbara Gilb at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy. Rich was in the Army National Guard; training at Fort Polk, LA and served six years in the guard. He took over the family farm from his parents. In 1993, he received the Conservation Farmer of the Year award. Rich was graced with a kidney transplant the same year. He greatly enjoyed playing fastpitch softball for 15 years. Rich played on many fastpitch leagues including Lucan, Vesta, Milroy and finishing his career in Lucan. He was a member of Knights of Columbus and the Lucan American Legion. Rich enjoyed deer hunting and playing any kind of card game. Rich and Barb had a place down in Arizona for 25 years, where they loved having coffee at the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City on the Colorado River. The couple enjoyed their time in Arizona golfing and spending time with friends.
Richard is survived by his wife Barbara of 55 years; sons: Joel (Elaine) of North Oaks and Paul of Shakopee; grandsons: Will & Jack of North Oaks; sister Rose Ann Miller of Lucan; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Bernard (Theresa) Brey and brother-in-law Kenneth Miller.