Rich was born on December 15, 1966, to Gary and Veronica (Roni) Pastwa in Oakland, CA. He graduated from Coon Rapids High School before attending Anoka Technical College. He met his wife, Brigitt, when she was playing basketball in her parents’ driveway. After many years of friendship, they finally got together, and married on September 10, 1994. They moved from Coon Rapids to East Bethel, MN where they built their dream home on 3 acres, and welcomed two children, Reed and Ellee, two dogs, Barley and Summit, and countless friends and family. Rich was larger than life, extremely charismatic, and never met a person who didn’t end up becoming a friend. Rich loved the outdoors and was an avid snowmobiler in the winter and fisherman whenever and wherever he could. Motor vehicles were a particular joy which included his Harley and 1969 Roadrunner convertible. He loved traveling and music, passing both those passions on to his children.
Rich was preceded in death by his grandparents, Loretta and Richard Pastwa, Stella and Victor Duda; mother-in-law, LaVonne Koppelman, and son Reed. He is survived by his wife, Brigitt, of 29 years; daughter Ellee; parents, Gary and Roni Pastwa; sister Sherri (Thomas) Rollins; father-in-law, Gene Koppelman; brother-in-law Todd Koppelman (Lori Kingston), and beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Memorial Service 11:00 am Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Family of Christ Lutheran Church (16345 Polk St. N.E., Ham Lake) Visitation 5 pm - 7 pm Friday, February 9, 2024, at church and will continue on Saturday from 10:00 am until time of service.
