Cover photo for Alvin D. Richards's Obituary
1926 Alvin 2022

Alvin D. Richards

August 30, 1926 — November 6, 2022

Marshall

Alvin D. Richards, 96, passed away on November 6, 2022, with his son by his side, at the Villa at Winston Court in Marshall, MI where he resided since December of 2018.  He was born on August 30, 1926 in Cadillac, MI to Ben and Geneva (Clauson) Richards, the second of eight children.  Alvin entered the military service in January of 1945, serving during World War II and was discharged in August of 1946. He then reenlisted in May of 1948 and served through April of 1952. He was stationed in Germany after WWII where he met a lovely Fraulein, Klara Maria Umbereit.  They were married on October 19, 1948 in Karlsruhe-Durlach Germany.  She predeceased him in 2009.

Alvin was a “Jack of all Trades” and master of many.  He was an excellent carpenter, building the family home in 1959 where he lived for 60 years, passing the trick of the trade to his son, Randy.  He was also a self-taught mechanic meticulously restoring many farm tractors back to the original. He could fix anything. He would study something for five, ten minutes and say there you go after you had spent hours trying to figure it out.  His great grandson, Benjamin, has been blessed with inheriting that trait.

Alvin moved up in the ranks at McGraw-Edison, taking an early retirement when his division moved to Arizona.  He later worked for Albion College until permanent retirement at age 65.  He and Klara enjoyed going to Grayling, MI to their Swiss Chalet cabin that he built in the woods.  Many family adventures were enjoyed there.

Surviving to cherish his memory are daughters, Rose Beebe of Racine, WI, Diane Sutherland (Gary) of Spring Valley, CA; and son, Randy Richards (Sandy) of Albion.  Grandchildren, Michelle Peterson (Randy Coates) of Racine, WI, Scott Beebe (Diane) of Battle Creek, KC Ruge (Lauren) of Albion and Nancy Ruge of Marshall; ten great grandchildren and fifteen great-great grandchildren.  Also, sisters, IvaLu Velfling of Livonia, Geneva Willett (Duane) of Holt; brother, Dennis Richards of Wellston and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Klara of 62 years; granddaughters, Julaine Kalisz and Korrine Beebe; sons-in-law, Lee Beebe, Charles Tidey, and Rae Paff; sisters, Virginia Kornoely and Beverly Vose; brothers, Lloyd Richards, Ben Richards Jr; sister-in-law, Judy Richards and brothers-in-law, Edward Kornoely and Jake Velfling.

According to his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068.  A private memorial celebrating his life will take place at a later date.  Donations may be made to Elara Caring Hospice, 4664 Campus Dr Suite 101A, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 at https://elaracaringhospicefoundation.org/donate/ or to a charity of your choice.  The family would like to thank the staff at The Villa at Winston Court for the excellent care he received over the last 4 years. To share a memory, leave a condolence or sign the online guestbook please visit https://kempffuneralhome.com .

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