Obituary for Kathleen Kay Richsmann Michael

Kathleen Kay Richsmann Michael, of Colwell, passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on August 16, 1945, in Osage, Iowa, Kathy was the daughter of Robert and Leona Ruehlow Richsmann. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage and graduated from Osage High School in 1963.  She spent her adult life as a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and went on to build a life full of love, family, and a true devotion to caring for others.

Shortly after graduating high school, Kathy met the love of her life, Roger Michael, and they were married on October 27, 1963. Together, they were blessed with three children: Douglas (Doug) Alan, Bradley (Beak) Charles, and Elizabeth (Liz) Ann. 

Kathy spent many years as a stay-at-home mom, dedicating herself to raising her children and creating a home filled with warmth. Her cooking and baking were legendary—friends of her children would often love to be snowed in at her house, knowing they would be treated to Ma’s delicious meals. She worked alongside Roger regardless what they were doing. Gardening, canning, being the runner when semis broke down, raising 40,000 chickens, milking cows, farming, you name it, she was there. Kathy worked hard her entire life until her body wouldn’t let her work any longer.

Once Liz started driving, Kathy expanded her reach and began working at St. John Lutheran Church in Charles City and at Mel’s Diner. Whether in the kitchen or behind the counter, Kathy shared her love of food with everyone she met. She became a beloved staple at St. John’s, where she prepared and served hundreds of meals every Wednesday night, feeding not just her family but the entire community.  In retirement, Kathy and Roger enjoyed going to coffee at Dave’s, Hy-Vee, and McDonald’s with their coffee crew that included very dear friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Leona Richsmann; sister, Shirley Dougherty; parents-in-law, Wendell and Joan Michael; brothers-in-law, David Marth, Robert Thomas, Rodney "Boots" Hedegard; sister-in-law, Marlene Marth; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many precious friends. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 61years, Roger; her children, Doug (Barb) of Riceville, Brad of Charles City, Liz (Terry) Hamm of Charles City; eight grandchildren: James Michael of Mason City, Sydney Michael of St. Ansgar, Rebecca Michael of Riceville, Wyatt Michael of Maquoketa, Kaylee Michael of Charles City, Kaleb Michael of Charles City, Dalton (Jill) Hamm of Mason City, and Cally (Danielle) Hamm of Fort Gratiot, MI; and was eagerly awaiting the birth of her first great-grandchild in June. She is also survived by two sisters, Barbara (Verlyn) Frohling of Story City, and Marilyn (Mona) Hedegard of Kensett; sisters-in-law, Karla Thomas of Charles City, Brenda Olson of St. Ansgar; and brother-in-law, Ron (Mary) Michael of Floyd; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Kathy’s legacy of kindness, hospitality, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held on February 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Charles City, Iowa with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. that morning.  

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.