Memorial services for Richard “Rick” H. Sharpsteen will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church. The Rev. Todd Walsh will officiate. Friends may visit with family from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, and one hour before the service at the church.

Rick died unexpectedly on Friday, July 1, 2011, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. He was 53.

He was born on May 2, 1958, in Lamberton, the son of Edward and Evelyn (Bosshart) Sharpsteen. Rick graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1976.

Rick’s life’s work and passion was working with those with special needs. He worked at Creative Living in Windom for a short time at Crest Homes in Albert Lea, and then at Rem/Woodvale since 1981. He always felt privileged to work with those who needed him, and his patient, kind manner, made him a special caretaker to many.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.

Rick loved spending time with Pam and his children: Adam and Daniel. They shared many memorable trips and special times together. Rick’s life was all about relationships, he was always happiest when he got family and friends together to share a good time. He recently found joy in staying connected with friends and family on Facebook.

He will be greatly missed by his family, who were everything to him: wife, Pam; sons: Adam and Daniel (and special friend Shinead Cunningham); brothers: Edward (Karen) Sharpsteen of Albert Lea and Michael (Pat) Sharpsteen of New Ulm; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leslie and Mary Tufte of Albert Lea; brother-in-law, Mark (Rhonda) Tufte of Northwood, Iowa; sisters-in-law: Lori (Craig) Hanson and Peggy (Cary) Williamson of Glenville; also surviving are nieces, nephews, and many special friends.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.