Richard G Mann, Col. USA ret.

Richard G Mann

Richard Mann, a beloved patriarch, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 26, 2026. He is known by his family and friends for his light-hearted humor, seriousness of purpose, and generous support.

Richard’s remarkable journey began when he was born on a farm near Halliday, North Dakota on May 13, 1935.  He is the second of nine children by Daniel and Lydia Mann and started his education in a one-room school alongside his older brother, Gilbert.  After several years, the family moved to town and Richard attended the town school, where he met his future wife, Hilma Joyce Wasem. These early years in Halliday fostered his high moral standards, compassion for others, and devotion to family.

At just 17 years old, Richard enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War and served with his brother Gilbert and close friend Stephen Marquardt on the original USS Tripoli – a “baby” carrier.  While stationed near Jacksonville, Florida, Richard and Hilma eloped in 1954, beginning their family with two sons — Richard Jr. and Thomas.

In 1957 after his Navy service, he moved his family to Grand Forks, where Richard earned a B.A. in Geography and a J.D. in law at the University of North Dakota while working various jobs to support his growing family.  During college and law school, Richard and Hilma were blessed with two daughters — Jennifer and Elizabeth.

After a short stint with a small law firm in Mohall, ND, Richard returned to military service, this time in the Army.  Richard spent nearly his entire Army career excelling in the court room.  After starting as a prosecutor and defense counsel, he eventually served as a military judge for twenty years – believed on solid grounds to be more years as a U.S. Army military judge than anyone else in history!  He was able to remain a military judge because he won a deserved reputation for hard work and legal excellence.

Upon retiring as a Colonel in 1992, Richard and Hilma settled near Fort Lewis.  They traveled extensively, making good use of their RV and enjoying time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many winters were spent as snowbirds near Phoenix, AZ, where they relished the company of relatives and friends from North Dakota.

After Hilma’s health declined, the couple moved to assisted living at Patriot’s Landing.  Richard devoted himself to caring for Hilma for several years until she passed in 2018.  Richard continued to reside there, maintaining close connections with his family and fellow retirees. He has lived with his children, primarily Betsy, for the last few years as his health declined.

Richard will be interred beside Hilma with military honors at Tahoma Cemetery at 9:30 am on May 22 followed by a celebration of his life at Water Gardens Community Center in Maple Valley.  For details, contact Tom Mann at 360-280-1701.  If you wish to donate to a charity to honor Richard, his family requests that you consider an organization that assists Alzheimer patients.