Earl Joseph Backes

May 2, 1934 - January 21, 2017

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2017 at St. Catherine’s Oratory in Farming, MN for Earl Joseph Backes, age 82, who died Saturday at his home in Richmond. Burial will be in the St. Catherine’s cemetery. Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 26, 2016 at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m., followed by a rosary with St. Jude Mission Group of Richmond and Blessed Virgin Mary Mission Group of Farming. Visitation will continue from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m., Friday morning at the funeral home. Earl was born in Farming, MN to Raymond and Catherine (Hondl) Backes. He married Patricia Kemper on January 21, 1959 in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond. Earl served in the U.S. Army from 1954 – 1957. He farmed his whole life in Farming and enjoyed playing cards, softball and ran the softball shack in Farming for many years. Earl was a lifelong Twins fan and enjoyed spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; children, Mark, Roger (Anita), Steve, Rose (John) Olson, Joann (Dave) Shanteau, Jim (Joyce), Jerry (Kelly), Marie (Adam) Bromenshenkel; siblings, Julie (Bill) Wunderlich, Sr. JoAnne Backes, OSB, Jane Backes, Darlene Backes, Linda (John) Kidd; 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his granddaughter, Jessica Backes.