Richard Henry Kronstedt, 79, died on October 30, 2025, after a two-plus year battle with Bulbar-onset ALS. He was born on November 7,1945 to Allan and Agnes (Johnson) Kronstedt on their ninth wedding anniversary and they preceded him in death. He is survived by his life-long partner of 53 years, Robert (Bob}Vickery, brother, Kenneth Kronstedt, sister, Mary Edlen (Jeff), niece, Karen Pretzel (Steve), nephews, Paul (Jeanne) & Neil Edlen, great nephew, Matthew Pretzel, great nieces Rachel Pretzel, Megan & Kaitlyn Edlen, many other relatives and friends.

Richard attended North High School and upon graduation enrolled at the University of Minnesota in Architecture. Two years later he changed his major to Art History. He received a BA in Art History in 1967 and a MA in 1973 and a MA in Library Science in 1976. He worked at U of M libraries for 13 years and was head librarian at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) from 1978-1990. He then took a position as Serials Librarian at the Cleveland Museum of Art until late 1991. He later became the Office Manager of the EOAA office of the U of M until his retirement in 2011.

Richard was a collector of fine art, furniture, books and musical recordings. He was an avid reader, especially of the history of Europe and its rulers. He also enjoyed novels and was usually reading three books at the same time. Richard and Bob traveled across the USA and Europe, going to art museums, churches, antique shops and enjoying fine food and wine.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 2 PM at Plymouth Presbyterian Church, 3755 Dunkirk Lane, Plymouth MN. Private interment.

In lieu of flowers, Richard preferred memorials to the Minneapolis Institute of Art or the Animal Humane Society of Minnesota. We will miss Richard’s wit, his knowledge, his laugh and his love. Richard, RIP.