Herman Gene Richards

Herman Gene, son of Frank and Rose (Finger) Richards, was born November 17, 1928, at Windom, MN. He attended country school in the Scranton, Iowa area and then worked odd jobs while also farming with his father. At one time he worked part-time as a welder in a manufacturing company in Jefferson. On March 21, 1949, Herman was united in marriage with Ruby Toms at the Scranton Friends Church parsonage. Six children were born to this union. They farmed for a time near Scranton and Lohrville. In 1962 they moved to a farm south of Glidden before settling south of Casey, where they remained for 27 years. In 2000 they retired and moved to Coon Rapids. The couple spent many enjoyable winters in Texas prior to Ruby's death in 2006. On May 23, 2009, Herman and Doris Stenstrom were married at the First Christian Church in Coon Rapids. Herman was a member of the First Christian Church. He loved to fish, golf and bowl in his spare time. Herman refurbished antique Case tractors and drove them in parades. He also gathered, shelled and gifted black walnuts to his many friends. Following an extended hospital stay Herman moved to Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids. He died there on Monday, March 23, 2015, at the age of 86 years, 4 months and 6 days. Herman is preceded in death by his parents; wife Ruby Richards; 3 children as infants: Virgil, Allen and Debbie; granddaughter Brenda Racobs; son-in-law Barry Racobs; sister Beulah Peters (Bob) and Laura Ellis (Don); and brother-in-law Hank Diffley. He is survived by his wife and constant companion Doris Richards of Coon Rapids; children: Betty Lamaak (Mel), Carroll; Jane Richards, Carroll; Bob Richards (Diane), Coon Rapids; 7 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; brother Lloyd Richards (Shirley), Churdan; sister Bethel Diffley, Fair Oaks, CA; other relatives and friends. Funeral Service Rev. Ben Ramirez Music "The Old Rugged Cross" Congregation "Amazing Grace" Andrea Richards Laura Lee Ramirez, Organist "Far Side Banks of Jordan" Recording by Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash Casket Bearers Brad Racobs Dan Hartwigsen David Hartwigsen Rod Richards Bill Richards David Stenstrom