Richard Pooley

Richard Dale Pooley (1942-2025) Richard Dale Pooley, age 82, of Apple Valley, MN, passed away on April 9, 2025.

He was born on November 17, 1942, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Dale and Kathryn Pooley. Richard graduated from Mitchell High School in Mitchell, SD, in 1960. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from General Beadle State College (Madison, SD) and later a Master of Science from Mankato State University (Mankato, MN). He also proudly served seven years in the Army National Guard.

Richard had a lifelong passion for education-particularly for the students he served. His career in education began with teaching Economics, Accounting, Typing, and German at Elkton, SD High School and Granite Falls, MN High School. He then dedicated 29 years to Minnesota West in Granite Falls, MN, where he rose through the ranks from Instructor to President. He concluded his professional journey as Vice President of Academics at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, MN, where he was honored to lead and celebrate the institution's first-ever merger in its 90-year history. Richard was widely respected for his forward-thinking leadership and strategic planning skills.

He was also deeply committed to volunteer work, often referring to these roles as his "free jobs." He found great fulfillment in giving back and served on numerous boards throughout his life, including the Minnesota Valley Farm Credit Board (25 years), United Farm Credit Services Board, Hope Lutheran Church Board, Granite Falls Municipal Hospital Board (Chairman), Granite Falls Kiwanis Club (President), Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce (President), Granite Falls Commission (Chairman), and the Granite Falls Doctor Recruitment Committee (Chairman).

In retirement, Richard and his beloved wife Bonnie enjoyed traveling and spending quality time with their grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Pooley; his children: Gary (Kim) Pooley, Jodi (Matt) Seidel, Greg Pressler, and Amy (Jeff) Huber; and his cherished grandchildren: Jacob Pooley, Garrett Pooley, Ben Pooley, Levi Seidel, Luke Seidel, Maya Pressler, Cole Pressler, Martin Burningham, Jaden Huber, Carson Huber, and Kai Huber.

A service to celebrate Richard's life will be held at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel (15800 37th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55446) on Friday, April 25. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM, with a luncheon to follow.