Rick Gawthrop

Rickey “Rick” Lynn Gawthrop was born on September 9, 1948, in Alexandria, MN to Dudley and Thelma (Davis) Gawthrop. Rick attended Alexandria Area Schools and graduated in 1966. He furthered his education at the Brown Institute in the Twin Cities for radio broadcasting. Following his schooling, Rick lived with his brother, Bill, and worked for a couple of years in the cities before moving back to Alexandria. He was able to follow his path in radio when he got hired at KXRA, where he worked for several years. Rick then moved to Park Rapids, MN to work with his brother-in-law as an electrician. Rick was previously married and had one daughter: Katie. When he moved back to Alexandria, he made his home at Bethel Manor. One evening when Rick was on the elevator to his apartment a beautiful lady stepped in and he had the courage to ask her to join him for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. She graciously accepted and Rick has been with Lorna ever since. They loved attended church together at Reach and going out to breakfast afterwards.

Rick had a passion for singing and on every Wednesday he and Lorna would lead a Sing-A-Long for their community at Bethel. He also loved to lend his voice to a barbershop quartet and productions at the Andria Theatre. Rick will also be remembered for his undeniable sense of humor whether it was a word, phrase, or pun he always knew how to put a smile on your face.

Rick died on Thursday, August 19th, 2021, at his home at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife: Lorna; daughter: Katie; brother: Bill (Darci); sister: Delores; and many nieces and nephews. Rick is preceded in death by his parents; sister: Jackie; and brother: Bud.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Reach Church in Alexandria, MN with visitation one-hour prior at the church. This service will be live-streamed and recorded for family and friends to view from Rick’s obituary page on the Anderson Funeral Home website at 11 AM on Monday. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria, MN.