Richard Alden Killingstad (March 21, 1940 – August 5, 2024)

Richard Alden Killingstad, of Wellsboro, PA, passed away at the age 84 on Monday, August 5, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. Richard was born in Spring Grove, MN on March 21, 1940, to Harry and Johanna (Klegseth) Killingstad. Richard was the youngest of five children: Gordon, Harry, Jerome, and Joan (Nichols), all of whom predeceased him.

Richard spent his childhood residing in both Spring Grove and Winona, Minnesota, graduating from Winona High School in 1958. He had fond memories and often spoke of his time in Spring Grove – specifically working/living on the Kolsrud family farm. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Navy, serving until 1965, where he received specialized training in the electronics field. During his deployment in Virginia Beach, VA, Richard met and later married Dianne Webster of Wellsboro, PA on July 6, 1963. They were married for almost 58 years until her death on April 8, 2021. 

He possessed a natural aptitude for troubleshooting and fixing things, particularly mechanical and electronic equipment, and subsequently built a long career in the electrical engineering field (without a formal education/degree), initially working at Mergenthaler Linotype in Wellsboro, PA and then Philips ECG in Williamsport, PA until his retirement in 1997. In 1982, Richard re-enlisted in the United States Navy (reserve) serving another 19 years and ultimately retiring in 2000 at the rank of Petty Officer First Class. After retiring, he continued to work for many years refurbishing and repairing electronic equipment out of his home.

Richard was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsboro, PA for almost 60 years. He was very proud of not only his military service but also his Norwegian heritage and was a longtime member of the Sons of Norway. He enjoyed watching sports (particularly baseball), yardwork, renovation projects, taking his dogs for walks, and having ‘coffee with the guys’.  Richard was also an avid bowler when he was younger and was a member of the Hotchkiss TV bowling team in the 70s and early 80s.

He is survived by two sons: Christian Killingstad of Wellsboro, PA and Marc (Ginny) Killingstad of Monkton, MD; a daughter: Kathleen (Gary) Lampman of Ridgway, PA; 7 grandchildren: Nikki Killingstad of Wellsboro, PA, Olivia Killingstad of Wellsboro, PA, Ayden Killingstad of Wellsboro, PA, Hannah (Adam) Greenman of Port Allegany, PA, Abigail (Kurt) Martonik of Kane, PA, Anna Killingstad of Baltimore, MD, and Eva Killingstad of Monkton, MD;  4 great-grandchildren: Ryder, Aisling, and Abby of Wellsboro, PA, and Esme of Port Allegany, PA; a brother-in-law: Charles “Chuck” Nichols of Springfield, OR; and several nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service at Tioga County Memorial Gardens will be held at a later date, with Kristi Webster officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main St., Wellsboro. To share your fondest memories of Richard or to express condolences to his family, please visit www.tusseymosher.com. Those wishing to donate in his memory are encouraged to consider Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries, 725 Gee Rd., Tioga, PA 16946 or visit www.secondchanceas.org.