Richard Musland

Richard Robert Musland, age 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on April 27, 2025, at SMP Health -Ave Maria in Jamestown, ND.

Richard was born to Milton LeRoy and Frances Marie (Zinter) Musland on March 2, 1941, in Edgeley, ND. Richard grew up on the family farm, one half mile east of Edgeley. He lived his first eighteen years there with his parents, two brothers and a sister. At a very young age, he realized his passion for livestock including horses and cattle. Despite his many hours of working on the family farm, he found time to excel as the fullback in football, the center in basketball and in long jump, high jump and hurdles in track. Richard graduated from Edgeley High School in 1959.

After high school, he saddled up his horse and headed to LaMoure, ND where he met Ellen Marie Christofferson, who he later married on April 2, 1960 at Zoar Lutheran Church in LaMoure, ND. Richard and Ellen settled on his grandfather Ingvald Musland’s farm, three miles East of Edgeley. Together they raised four sons and one daughter. Richard and Ellen instilled their family with faith, hard work, determination, competitiveness, responsibility and goal setting. Richard was busy from sun up to sun down. If he got a lot of work done, he would occasionally say, “That was a pretty good day.” The family showed horses every weekend from April to September, including the State Fair in Minot, ND. He was known by everyone in the livestock and horse community as having the best stock around. Richard was the inspiration behind the Coteau Hills Annual Horse Sale, where people traveled from miles away to seek the best horses around. He took pride in building the pedigree and confirmation of his cattle and horses and developed a network of influential horse breeders throughout the United States and abroad, including a horse sold in England. Some of Richard’s best friends were those of Native American Heritage. He was given the name Many Horses by his Native friends.

Richard took pride in his family, his farm, his livestock, and his friends. Throughout his life, he had many interests and accomplishments including owning Double Thistle, World Champion halter horse and others, horse judging, an accomplished horseman who would sort cow calf pairs into three different pastures without ever bringing them in a corral, expanded his herd to include thoroughbreds that he raced. Richard was proud of his Running M brand, which was created from the shape of the creek running through his home pasture. Richard loved to watch wild animals and was never a hunter because he respected life. In later years, his favorite pastime was attending sporting events of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Anyone who visited with Richard, could feel the pride he had for his family. Richard was also very proud to be a part of the Edgeley Class of 1959. He attended all class reunions and treasured his classmates and sharing memories. Richard never lost his love for ranching and life as he still was looking to improve and expand his herd in his last days. He enjoyed a Coke, in a glass with ice, popcorn, Fox News and was proud to be an American.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Frances Musland.

He is survived by one sister, Evelyn (Lyle) Sjostrom, two brothers, LeRoy (Darlene) Musland and Clarence (Mary) Musland. He is also survived by five children, Roy (Pamela) Musland, Jamestown, ND, Cody (Sheila) Musland, Edgeley, ND, Eric (Denise) Musland, LaMoure, ND, Julie Skunberg and BJ Kratz, Jamestown, ND, Justin (Angela) Musland, Ham Lake, MN; 15 grandchildren, Erin Musland, Cally (Darin) Peterson, Cole Musland and Logan Winter, Taylor Musland, Jenna (Zach) Pipek, Austin (Kallie) Musland, Shelby (Cody) Richter, Molly and Max Musland, Teagan (Kade) Thompson, Boden and Madden Skunberg, Harrison, Tanner and Lucas Musland; and eleven great-grandchildren, Paisley, Hoyce, Scout and McKray Pipek, Saige, Wyatt and Brody Musland, Henley and Bennette Musland, and Winslow and Warren Richter. (Number twelve expected in June 2025, Austin (Kallie) Musland), and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of Richard Musland would like to thank all family and friends who have supported and shared time with him throughout his life.

Funeral Service – 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Jamestown, with Pastor Lucinda Lien officiating.

Prayer Service – 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2025 at the church.

Visitation – One hour before each service at the church.

Burial – Mt. Hope Cemetery, Edgeley, ND.