Robert G. Richards, age 80, of 155 29th Street, Gladstone, MI died Sunday afternoon August 5, 2007 at home following a lengthy illness with cancer.
Robert was born January 5, 1927 in Negaunee, MI the son of Joseph and Mabel (Neurohr) Richards. Bob’s family moved to Brampton where he was raised and later graduated from the Gladstone High School class of 1943. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Corp during WW II. Upon his honorable discharge in 1946 he continued his college education at Western Michigan University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1951. He later obtained his Master’s Degree in 1971 from Northern Michigan University.
Bob was united in marriage to the former Louise Peterson on August 31, 1949 at the St. Joseph Church in Perkins. They moved to Gladstone in 1954 where they raised their four children.
Bob’s teaching career included teaching in Perkins from 1951 to 1954 and in Gladstone from 1954 until his retirement in 1985. His career included coaching, Community School Director and Assistant Principal.
Bob was a member of the All Saints Church in Gladstone, Knights of Columbus, Gladstone American Legion Post #71, Life member of the Michigan and Delta County Association of Retired School Personnel, and a life member of the A.A.R.P.
Bob’s hobbies included hunting, golfing, bowling, fishing and reading. He was an avid Green Bay Packer, Notre Dame, and Chicago Cub’s fan.
Survivors include:
2 sons: Bruce Richards of Port St. Lucie, FL and Robert M. (Tracy Quinn) Richards of Gladstone.
2 daughters: Diane (Matt) Amann of Gladstone and Deborah Richards of Port St. Lucie, FL
1 sister: Nancy (Les) Barth of Brillion, WI
7 grandchildren: Renee (Billy Darby) Kuchenberg and Nicole (Fiancé, James Butler) Clark of Port St. Lucie, FL, Christopher (Marlana) Amann of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Kelly Jo Dorcey of Hale, MI, Jeffrey (Tanya) Amann of Marquette, Sarah Amann of Gladstone and Jordon Richards of Gladstone.
3 great grandchildren: Kyle, Zoey and Morgan.
In addition to his parents and wife Louise, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jean Lussier and his brother Giles Richards.
Bob’s family will receive friends on Thursday from 2:00 to 6:45 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. The Rosary will be recited by the Gladstone Knights of Columbus Brother Felix Lodge #6667 at 6:45 PM. Gladstone American Legion Post #71 will conduct Military Rites at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of Robert G. Richards will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at the All Saints Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the church parish hall. Burial will follow at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. In lieu of flowers memorials in memory of Bob may be directed to the All Saints Church Elevator Fund or to the Gladstone Library Fund, envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home or All Saints Church.
