ALPHA — Gerald S. Richards, 82, Alpha, died Monday, July 23, 2001 at his daughter's home in Ames after a long illness.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 26 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Richfield, rural Sumner, with Rev. Milton D. Johnson presiding..

Pallbearers were Chris Richards, Marvin Shippy, Mike Solberg, Nate Watson, Carl Mueterthies, Jerry McManigle.

Interment is at a later date in the Alpha Cemetery.

Visitation was held at the Waucoma Funeral Chapel.

Gerald Stone Richards, son of Roy and Geneva (Stone) Richards, was born Feb. 19,1919 at Alpha. He graduated from Alpha High School and Upper Iowa College at Fayette. Following graduation Gerald taught school in Rodman for one year. He was in the Coast Guard for a short time before moving back to Alpha to farm with his parents.

On June 7, 1941 Gerald was united in marriage with Helen Lange at St. John's Lutheran Church, Stapleton. The couple lived in the same home all their married life until January 2001 when they moved to Ames to live with their daughter. Gerald was a member of the Masonic Lodge in. West Union. Retired from farming, he enjoyed golfing, woodworking, bicycling, motorcycling and traveling.

Surviving are a son, Alden (Karen), Alpha; a daughter, Susanne Fedeler and friend, Kevin Watson, Ames; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Helen on April 1, 2001; his parents; a brother, Lester.

Burnham-Wood Funeral Home, West Union, was in charge of arrangements.

Source: New Hampton Tribune; July 31, 2001 Page 4
from Elma library collection assembled by Marian (Marr) McGee
Transcribed by ABBYY FineReader® 12, Adapted to the Web by Bill Waters