Richard Thomas Gilligan

Richard Thomas Gilligan, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully at home at the age of 83 after a year of illness. He will be dearly missed.

Richard was born in Rochester on September 19, 1943. He is survived by his loving brother Franklin Gilligan of Bloomington, MN and 5 nieces and 3 nephews, Debbie Windschitl of Bloomington, MN; Ann DeBates [Brian] of Chandler, AZ; Christine Schammel [David] of Greenville, SC; Brian Gilligan [Katherine] of Jacksonville, FL; John Gilligan of Utah; Kevin Gilligan [Marci] of Scottsdale, AZ; Kim Schiller [Mike] of Prior Lake, MN; and Cindy Eknes [Bret] of White Bear Lake, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Frieda Gilligan and his brother Patrick Gilligan.

Richard was a parishioner at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1961. During high school he worked in the stockroom at J.C. Penney in Rochester and retired from there after 50 years of employment.

Richard never married and lived in the family home with his parents. He was a loving, dedicated son, companion and care giver as his father and mother lived to the ages of 76 and 92 respectively.

Richard spent most of his leisure time at his beloved cabin in northern Minnesota with his parents and family members. He also loved playing his collection of Lawrence Welk and other classical music while sitting in his favorite chair drinking cup after cup after cup of coffee. Richard was a big contributor in the creation of our mother's famous Christmas candy; the laborious cracking of Brazil nuts for the chocolate fondant candy and helping with her one and only delicious caramels. The candy tradition has been continued by his nieces, Christine and Kim.

Richard had a great sense of humor which was present even to the passing moments of his life. He loved to tell stories of his growing up years and ancestral stories passed on from his parents.

Special thanks to Mayo Clinic Hospice and H&A Elite Home Healthcare. Special kudos to Melanie and Keya for their especially loving and compassionate care of Richard. A very special thanks to Kim and Mike Schiller for always being there for Richard in every possible way over the past few years.

Visitation will be on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 5-7 pm with a Rosary beginning at 6:15 pm at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1315 12th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN with a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 am.

Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery, Rochester, MN. Memorials are preferred to St. Pius X Catholic Church or donor's choice.