Richard Fontaine (Dick)

Richard (Dick) Fontaine, 82, of North Oaks, MN, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 25, 2025, from Alzheimer's disease.

The son of Douglas and Helen Fontaine (Giesinger), Richard grew up in East Grand Forks, MN. As an only child whose parents both worked, he learned that solitude didn't have to be lonely if he had a good book and a bowl of popcorn. He was a gifted athlete at Sacred Heart high school, a small but effective football quarterback and a quick point guard for the basketball team. Richard's character revealed itself during one game when, after dominating the first half with 30 points, he refused to take a single shot in the second. The message was clear—It's not about you and you don't kick another team when they are down.

An average student who frequently found himself in the nun's crosshairs, Richard nevertheless won two citywide Voice of Democracy writing contests and studied English at the University of North Dakota with the help of a $200 gift from his beloved Grandma Kitty. His first job out of college was teaching English at Minneapolis Central High School, where he also coached track, cross country, and basketball. Following his belief that reading is reading, Richard regularly brought in a variety of paperbacks, magazines, and comic books to offer his students.

A summer job selling books and stocking shelves at the first B. Dalton Bookseller store led to a long career with the company and many lifelong friendships. After B Dalton, he spent time with Ingram Industries, Michaels, Barnes & Noble, and finally, GameStop, which he led from bankruptcy to the largest video game retailer in the world. Named one of Forbes Magazine's Best Performing Bosses in 2008, he described his management philosophy: "It's Wii" [sic]. This is not an I company."

After retiring in 2016, Richard enjoyed running, spending time in France, golfing, and surrounding himself with books. He also worked with his high school alma mater to improve the library and expand their student book selection.

Richard had three children, Kristine, Laurie, and Craig, with his first wife, Patricia Genereux of Tabor, MN. Books brought Richard together with his wife of 47 years, Eileen Kleinendorst of White Bear Lake, MN. In Eileen Richard found a companion full of strength and patience who shared his love of reading and being active and opened his world to the joys of French culture and cuisine. Eileen lovingly cared for Richard through the challenging progression of Alzheimer's, providing him the grace of dying at home surrounded by his family.

He was predeceased by his daughter Kristine, a lively spirit with a generous heart, and half-brother William. He felt their losses deeply.

Richard is survived by his wife Eileen, daughter Laurie (Mike) Junker; son Craig (Carlon); and grandchildren Paige, Avery, and Henry.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 29th, at 6pm at Open Book 1011 Washington Avenue in Minneapolis. Memorial contributions may be directed to Sacred Heart School Student Annual Drive to support student education: https://sacredheartegf.net/studentfund

"At the bottom of the 9th, you count the people you love and add their names to the fine places you've been and the good things you've done—and there you have it."
- Richard Fontaine, 3/11/2018