Richard L. Atkinson

Richard Lee Atkinson, “Snoop”, 74, passed away with his family by his side on Saturday, October 19th, at Mayo Hospital, Rochester, MN.

Richard was born on July 15, 1950, to Margaret and Edward Atkinson of Jim Falls, and made Jim Falls his home his whole life. The town was the center of all the people and activities he loved. He was living his best life when he was on the baseball or softball fields representing the Jim Falls Sturgeons, Emil’s Bar, Eldie’s Bar, The Lefty’s, TJ Hookers, Big Bellies, and others. The ball teams were an extended family to him, his wife Pam, and their daughters. Known for his humor, quick wit, and the ability to entertain all of those around him, he was often the life of the party. Pud, TJ, Kink, PP, Tarzan, Fibber, Stork, Stogie, Tex, Rico, Flip, Wilber, Hart, Spangdelinie, and Teddy, are just a few of the dozens of friends whose nicknames were a symbol of their closeness. The Lemke, Hartman, Nyhus, Boiteau, and Sokup families were inbedded and influential in his youth and adult life. Baseball/softball and beer eventually changed to golf, coffee, and cards, but the bonds remained.

Life off the field brought Richard and his family to the campgrounds and then the Boos “compound”. His brothers and sisters’ in-laws gave endless support and developed their own bonds in their own unique ways. Pretty Paula banter gave him reasons to get up and get going, even if he was not feeling the best.

Without a doubt, his most recent favorite way to spend his time was with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Baseball, hockey, golf, band, vocal, and dance recitals filled up his schedule. Snuggle time, UTV and golf cart rides will be missed.

Richard supported his family by giving 37 years to the Jim Falls AMPI Dairy as well has served several years with Chippewa County as a reserve officer.

Richard is survived by his wife, Pamela (Boos), of 54 years, his 4 daughters Melissa (Brad) Kupczak, Wendy (Troy) Hutton, Angella (Corrie) Niblett, and LeAnn Balsiger. His grandchildren Shaina (Daniel) Copenhaver, Riley (Zach) Slowiak, Dane Simmons, Dalton, Shea, and Bryce Hutton, Payton and Bryer Niblett, Karson and Collin Balsiger. Great grandchildren Remi, Everett, Gatlin, Asher, and Vanessa. His siblings Frank Atkinson, Eloda Birch and many nephews and nieces.

The children would like to thank his wife and their mother, Pam, for the love and dedication, through good times and bad, that truly gave him a blessed life.

Richard was reunited in heaven with his mother and father, Margaret and Edward, his siblings Edna Swoboda, Sharon Bergeron, and Eddie Atkinson, his mother and father-in-law, Roman and Dorothy Boos, and other close family members.

He will be missed but remembered for his wit, love, and one liners. “Grandpa’s number one, Grandpa’s the best…..”, “4 Queens and a Joker make us a full house”, and of course “Happy Hanukkah”.

The family would like to thank the Eau Claire Mayo ED and CCU as well as St. Mary’s CCU for their kind and wonderful care.

Funeral mass will be Monday, October 28th, at 11am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Jim Falls. The burial ceremony to proceed at Forest Hill Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. There will be no visitation before the service, but a celebration of life will follow at Jake’s Jim Town Inn from 2-6pm. All friends and family are welcome.