Richard H. Plunkett Jr., 61, died in the loving embrace of family on Nov. 2, 2016. Rick faced illness with grace and courage, bringing so many to his side in life. He was a remarkable father, son, brother, husband, uncle, neighbor and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Christenson, who journeyed with Rick for 32 years, and his children Alex, Katie, and Luke who adored him. All admired his gentle, loving presence and relentless quest for knowledge. He is also survived by his father, Richard H. Plunkett, Sr., sisters—Pat Likos (Tommy), Pam Kyzer (David), Julianne Scrivener (Andrew) and Maureen Zeimet (Steve), eight nephews, two nieces and many friends. He was preceded in death by both his mothers, Helen Plunkett and Anne Marie Plunkett.
Rick graduated from Rochester Mayo High School and the University of Minnesota, where he served as president of The Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG), the first such organization of its kind in the nation. A brilliant organizer, Rick founded the Minnesota Justice Foundation (MJF) as a first-year law student with the intent of helping law students serve the poor and disenfranchised. The MJF led to the creation of 6,000 MJF clerkships, and continues today. Rick graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School with honors in 1984. After practicing law for five years in Minneapolis he returned to Rochester to run the family cable, banking and real estate business. Rick’s legacy is marked by action informed by social justice and civic contributions toward a common and public good.
Rick had an intense love for nature. Some of his favorite moments were in the garden, canoeing the Boundary Waters with his family, and hiking through the forest. The still sanctuary and quiet companionship found outdoors were an inspiration for his poetic heart. Before he passed, he said “Look up. It’s all there. Everything we need.” His family has taken these words to heart in their search for beauty in each moment.
Rick’s final days were blessed at home with his loving family and friends. They saw him all the way through. Rick taught us how to live and love with generosity, gratitude, and acceptance. The family offers special thanks to our donor Nick, the care of the Mayo Clinic Hospice team, and the Mayo Clinic Transplant team.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Friday, November 11 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5455 50th Ave. NW, Rochester MN with the Visitation at 3:00 pm and Memorial Service at 4:00 pm followed by a light reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (www.friends-bwca.org) or The Transplant Center at Mayo Clinic. A dedication website is available at www.skylooker.org.
Rick graduated from Rochester Mayo High School and the University of Minnesota, where he served as president of The Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG), the first such organization of its kind in the nation. A brilliant organizer, Rick founded the Minnesota Justice Foundation (MJF) as a first-year law student with the intent of helping law students serve the poor and disenfranchised. The MJF led to the creation of 6,000 MJF clerkships, and continues today. Rick graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School with honors in 1984. After practicing law for five years in Minneapolis he returned to Rochester to run the family cable, banking and real estate business. Rick’s legacy is marked by action informed by social justice and civic contributions toward a common and public good.
Rick had an intense love for nature. Some of his favorite moments were in the garden, canoeing the Boundary Waters with his family, and hiking through the forest. The still sanctuary and quiet companionship found outdoors were an inspiration for his poetic heart. Before he passed, he said “Look up. It’s all there. Everything we need.” His family has taken these words to heart in their search for beauty in each moment.
Rick’s final days were blessed at home with his loving family and friends. They saw him all the way through. Rick taught us how to live and love with generosity, gratitude, and acceptance. The family offers special thanks to our donor Nick, the care of the Mayo Clinic Hospice team, and the Mayo Clinic Transplant team.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Friday, November 11 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5455 50th Ave. NW, Rochester MN with the Visitation at 3:00 pm and Memorial Service at 4:00 pm followed by a light reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (www.friends-bwca.org) or The Transplant Center at Mayo Clinic. A dedication website is available at www.skylooker.org.