Richard Duane Stephens, age 77, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully at 7:21 a.m. on May 8, 2024. Richard spent his final days at the VA Minneapolis Medical Center. Richard served in the U.S. Navy from 1965-1969 and in the Vietnam War.

Richard loved to travel, donate blood to the Red Cross, loved the Lord, the American Flag, and spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren, Sasha and Artem. They were the light of his life.

Preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Stephens; father, Gerald Stephens; brother, Glen Stephens; sister, Ethel Stephens; brother Mike Stephens; sister, Judy Stephens; granddaughter, Anya Nicole Koyama Stephens Ortiz; and dog, Micky.

Left to cherish are his loving sister, Della Barber; brother, Dell (Debbie) Stephens; sister, Barbara Gallup; his loving children son, Dustin Stephens; Kristian (Donald) Koyama Piotrowski; son, Ryan Stephens; grandchildren Sasha and Artem; remembered by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on June 8, 2024, at Heartwood Church in Oakdale, MN at 2 p.m. Visitation from 12 p.m. until the time of service at Heartwood Church. Final resting place will be at Fort Snelling and that service will be private for close family members.