Richard Butler Mahowald passed away from congenital heart failure on December 8, 2023.

Richard was born on May 9, 1946 to Dr. Ralph & Dorothy (Butler) Mahowald in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He attended St. Mary's grade school, graduated high school from St. John's Prep (Collegeville, Minnesota), and earned a BA/BS Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Dakota in 1971. Richard was a player/manager of the El Roco Men's Fastpitch Team from 1966-1974. He worked at Dunamatic and Richmond Engineering. When Richard retired, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona - an 18-year stint - where he worked for the Marriott Corporation, Thompson Associates, and the Mahowald Family Trust.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph & Dorothy; brother, Ralph; and sister, Mary.

Richard is survived by his sister, Margo (Lou) Doll; brother, Michael (Ann Fluharty); twin sister, Leslie (George) Fairfield; and multiple nieces & nephews.

Richard, with profound gratitude, thanks the priests & nuns of St. Mary's, the members of the Benedictine Monastery of St. John's Abbey, all the athletes he played with throughout high school, college, and with El Roco Softball. A special thank you to the men & women of Alcoholics Anonymous: "The greatest gift I ever received was my sobriety" (45 years on September 23, 2023).

Richard extends his fondest, best wishes to Kristie Jill Martin: all her sisters, brother, and their mother, Luella - they accepted him as he was. Richard loved his family, he appreciated his education, he was earnest, honest, and outspoken. Richard failed many times but worked hard to overcome his deficiencies. What more can one ask for?

"Look Zuzu's petals!" - It's A Wonderful Life

A Celebration of Richard's Life will be held at a later date.