Richard “Rich” Orlin Scramstad passed away on July 25, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on September 14, 1944, in Thief River Falls, he was the eldest son of Owen and Madeline (Gjernes) Scramstad and grew up alongside his younger brother, David.
Rich graduated from Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, California, and went on to study Civil Engineering at the University of North Dakota. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Naval Officer, including active duty during the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and later during Desert Storm in 1991. He retired from the Naval Reserves with the rank of Lieutenant Commander in Intelligence and Reconnaissance.
Following his service in Vietnam, Rich pursued a distinguished career in civil engineering. His work took him abroad to Jakarta, Indonesia, before he eventually settled in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he founded a successful engineering firm in the Plymouth, MI area, serving both municipal and private clients.
From the early 2000s through 2012, Rich served as Executive Director of the Normal Heart Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. In this role, he championed access to information, support, and education for rural LGBTQ+ communities across New Mexico and West Texas, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to advocacy and service.
Rich was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Jayne Scramstad (Komp), his second wife, Denise Rae Scramstad (Zellner), and his husband, David Stocum.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Lawson of Redford, MI; his grandson, Joseph John Lawson; and his adopted son, Rio Northern, along with Rio’s daughter, Khaosaty. He is also survived by his brother, David (Patricia) Scramstad; nieces, Christine (Ryan) Kezar and Katie (Jesse) Nelson; nephew, Mitchell Scramstad; and many beloved grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Rich will be remembered for his wisdom, sharp wit, fierce independence, Norwegian pride, and deep compassion for others—especially those who needed a helping hand.
A Celebration of Life with family and friends will be held in late August in his hometown of Thief River Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gladys Ray Shelter; 1519 1st Ave. S, Fargo, ND 58102.
Online guestbook signing at www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com.
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