Richard “Rich” William Colbert, 81, of Apple Valley, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 28, 2025.

Rich was born on January 2, 1944, in Rice Lake, WI, the 4th of 8 children to Basil and Alice Colbert. He graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1962. In his early 20s, he moved to Minneapolis, eventually beginning a long career at The Toro Company, where he retired from in 2007. Although he remained in Minneapolis, Rice Lake was always his true home.

Watching sports such as NASCAR, football, and hockey brought him great joy, with his favorites being the high school state tournaments each March, the Daytona 500, and the Packers.

The times he enjoyed most were those with family and friends at social gatherings, holiday celebrations, his grandchildren’s sporting events, and especially the annual Colbert family picnic.

He was preceded in death by parents Basil and Alice Colbert, wife Linda Colbert, sister June Crandall, and brother Tom Colbert.

Rich is survived by son Scott (Julie) Colbert of Eagan, MN, and stepdaughter Holly (Justin) Kevelin of Burnsville, MN; grandchildren Ryan Colbert, Alaina Colbert, Samantha Kevelin, and Joanna Kevelin; siblings Pat (Mary) Colbert, Jim Colbert, Linda (Dave) Adams, Lu Ann (Bernie) Brooten, and Nancy (Glen) Benish, along with numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

A celebration of life will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 pm on Friday, January 30th at:

Lost Spur Golf and Event Center

  2750 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan, MN