Ross “Rick” Porter Toole, Jr.

Ross "Rick" P. Toole Jr., of Britt, passed away Sept. 17, 2018, at his home. He lived a life dedicated to service of his country and fellow man.

Rick was born May 9, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pa. He joined the U.S. Army at 17 years old and served as a machinist during a tour in Vietnam, serving five years active duty. He married Josephine "Joy" Siuda in August 1969 in Philadelphia. He and Joy moved to Minnesota in 1976.

He was part of the crew that built the Inland Steel plant and was hired by the company after completion, serving 32 years.

Rick spent many years in service with numerous organizations throughout the Iron Range. He spent more than 20 years on the Pike-Sandy-Britt Fire Department. He joined the Minnesota National Guard and retired after 25 years of service.

He was very proud of his service with the Boy Scouts of America and was a dedicated leader with Troop 129. He spent weekends at the Boy Scout camp and helped with projects. He was very proud of his sons and grandson for earning their Eagle Scout rank, which he helped with all the projects.

Rick's dedication to his fellow veterans ran very deep. He served as commander of both the Mountain Iron American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. He often spent several hours emptying donation bins and helping transport the donations so they could be used to support the needs of fellow veterans. He spent several years on the board of the Sand Lake Cemetery, helping to layout plots and place markers. He served on the color guard of the American Legion and helped to honor fallen veterans. He could be found visiting fellow veterans at hospitals as they received treatment or were nearing the end of their lives. His dedication to the National Guard included serving on staff with the Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp at Camp Ripley.

Rick also helped build houses with Habitat for Humanity and traveled to Jamaica for mission work. His dedication to service continued in his church life, where he volunteered with Sand Lake Chapel and Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Joy; children: Joyce (Doug) Hobbs, David (Shannen) Toole and Kenneth (Nicole) Toole; grandchildren: Amber (David), Adam, Summer, Noah, Kayla and Derek; and great-granddaughter, Luna.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law; father-in-law; and sister.

Funeral: A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Range Funeral Home in Virginia. The Rev. Kevin Olson will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by Mountain Iron American Legion Yoki-Bergman Post 220.

Visitation: Will be held for one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia. To sign the online guest book or to send condolences, please visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.

09/22/2018 at 11:00 am
Range Funeral Home Virginia MN

Visitation begins at 10:00 am

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