Longtime Fargo Businessman and Racecar Driver Howard Richardson Dies at 83

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Howard Eugene Richardson, a lifelong resident of South Dakota and North Dakota, passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 83. Richardson was born on a family farm in Columbia, South Dakota in 1942 and later moved to Fargo, North Dakota where he managed a convenience store called The General Store for over 30 years until his retirement. In addition to his retail career, Richardson was an avid racecar driver, competing at tracks across the region from the late 1960s until 2007.

Why it matters

Richardson's story highlights the enduring appeal of small-town values and entrepreneurship, even in the face of changing retail landscapes. As a fixture in the Fargo community for decades, he left a lasting impression on generations of locals through his friendly demeanor, hard work ethic, and passion for racing.

The details

After meeting his wife Gerry in 1964, the couple moved to Fargo where Howard worked for Mobil Oil, Quality Bakery, and Otto Shine before managing his own convenience store starting in 1976. Known affectionately as "Howie" by customers, Richardson ran the store, which was later rebranded as Mini Mart and Loaf & Jug, until his retirement. In addition to his retail career, Richardson was an avid racecar driver, competing at tracks in South Dakota, West Fargo, Lisbon, and Glyndon from the late 1960s until 2007, often with Old Milwaukee cans screwed to the roof of his car.

• Howard Richardson was born on May 5, 1942.
• Richardson met his wife Gerry Voorhees at a street dance in Hecla, South Dakota in the fall of 1964, and they were married on February 21, 1964.
• Richardson began managing The General Store in Fargo in 1976, which later became Mini Mart and Loaf & Jug.
• Richardson raced cars from the late 1960s until 2007.
• Richardson passed away on January 15, 2026.

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