Obituary for Vern M. Richards

Vern M. Richards, 94, of Bridgewater, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at the Greenfield Manor in Greenfield, Iowa. A Masonic funeral ceremony followed by a memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Carl United Methodist Church. There will be a monument marking his life at Forrest Hill Cemetery in Mount Etna, Iowa. Vern Maurice Richards was born on March 9, 1918 in Creston, Iowa to Harvey and Carrie Bunting Richards. He was united in marriage to Myrtle Schwanebeck on January 6, 1942 in Grant City, Missouri. They made their home on the Richards family homestead, certified in 2012 as a Century Family Farm. Vern never met a stranger and always put others before himself. He was a master of farming, electricity and plumbing and had a zest for informal learning. Throughout the years he enjoyed his family, woodworking, beekeeping, gardening, tinkering with all things and reading. Vern was a 50-year member of the Masons. Those that knew him will always remember his loving smile and blue and white striped overalls that he wore on most occasions. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Myrtle; children, Ellen Roseann Moore of Greenfield and Martin (Nita) Richards of Omaha, NE; grandsons, Andrew (Brandy) Lyda, Ben Lyda, Clint (Laura Wilwerding) Richards; granddaughters, Else Richards and Laura (Barry) Tofteland; great grandchildren, River and Raquel Lyda, Brett Minard and Samantha and Alex Richards. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Margaret Irene Lyda; sons-in-law, Robert Lyda and Harry Moore and two siblings in infancy, Freida and Orris Richards. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Carl United Methodist Church or Care Initiatives Hospice.