Theodore Samuel “Sam” Richards, 93, of Ishpeming, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, April 21, 2020, at the Trillium House, with his family by his side and under the care of the UP Home Health & Hospice.
Sam was born on January 27, 1927 to William C. and Gertrude (Houseman) Richards in Tilden Township. He attended school in National Mine, but quit school to work. Sam later graduated from Ishpeming high School with a group of local veterans.
He was drafted into the service in 1945 and served until 1947 in the Army motor pool, stationed in Belfor, VA. While in the service, he and some friends went to Washington, DC and missed the bus back to base, so they slept on the White House lawn. One of the highlights of Sam’s life was visiting Washington DC later in life with the 2nd honor flight.
In May of 1950 he married Elizabeth (Betty) Joseph. Their family included seven children. Betty passed in 1990.
Sam worked at the Greenwood & Champion Mines. Sam had back surgery in 1958 and he and Nick Joseph open the King Koin Launderette. Later Nick got out of the partnership to devote more time to his grocery business. Sam purchased the laundry in Negaunee in 1958. Upon retirement at 62 years old, he sold the Ishpeming business to his son, Harold, and the Negaunee business to his son, Samuel. Sam was also a school bus driver for many years.
Sam married Joyce Dobson in August of 1995. They enjoyed time at his camp on the Escanaba River. They enjoyed gardening and spending their retirement years together. Snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and playing cards were all favorite pastimes of Sam. In 2018 he used a crossbow and a rifle and got a deer with each. Sam looked forward each year to hunting season with his sons. He enjoyed repairing anything that was broken and was always there to help others.
Sam was a member of the Amvets for 51 years, a charter member of the American Legion Post 114 for 41 years, and a member of the 40 and 8 of the American Legion for 32 years. He served as Commander of the American Legion, and was also a service officer. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. He volunteered many hours at the veterans clubs.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, 6 sisters, his daughter, Margo Kari, grandson, Brian Kari, great grandson, Derrick LaPointe and Larry Dobson, stepson.
Sam is survived by his wife, Joyce, son Harold Richards (Karen Perry), daughter Marijane (Bruce Laakso), and sons Samuel Richards (Rae), Dale Richards (Judy), Nicholas Richards, William Richards (Tanya), stepchildren Terry Dobson (Carrie), and Connie Tresedder (Ross) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Sam’s family would like to thank all the Dr.’s, nurses and staff at the VA, Bell Hospital, and the UP Home Health and Hospice at the Trillium House.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2020 at 1 pm at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Rev. Ryan Ford officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service in the church.
Canale & Pennock Funeral Service in Ishpeming is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalepennock.com
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