Joseph Frank Richards

Joseph Frank Richards, 99 of Boyne City, Michigan, passed away at his home on March 25, 2024.

Son of Elmer and Hattie (Schenk) Richards, Joseph was born on March 5, 1925, in Alpena, Michigan. Around the age five, he and his family moved to Boyne City, Michigan. He attended the Morgan-Shaw School until eighth grade.

On August 21, 1942, he married the most beautiful girl in the world, Jeannette Shepherd, in Gaylord, Michigan.

Joseph served in the United States Army during World War II from 1943 to 1945. He was a Technician Fourth Grade and he served as part of an artillery crew, motor pool truck driver, and mechanic. Joseph was stationed in Northern Africa, Sicily, and Italy.

He was a hardworking man. Joseph worked long, hard days doing seasonal work in road construction building roads. Then in the winter, he worked long, hard days ice fishing to bring home lots of fish for his children to clean.

Joseph was an avid fisherman. He supplied many people with fish over the years.

He also enjoyed doing mechanical work on cars.

Joseph was a gentleman and to the point. He had a great memory and was good at listening. He was a real jokester with a good sense of humor. Joseph was fun to talk to and was easy to have nice conversations with. He will be greatly missed.

He was a member of the Boyne City American Legion, Post 228, and the International Union of the Operating Engineers 324.

Joseph is survived by his children: Billie Jo (John) Hjellum, Jacquelyn Kaye (Howard) Pinney, Joseph L. (Jean) Richards, Kathy Richards Gilmore, Cindy (Gary) Viers, Michael (Robin) Richards, and Todd (Judy) Richards; his daughter-in-law Loretta Richards; his 18 grandchildren; and his numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jeannette Richards; his parents Elmer and Hattie Richards; his sons James “Don” Richards and Rickey Richards; and his grandson Kelly Logan, who passed while serving active duty in the United States Army in 2019.

Those wishing to make a charitable donation in Joseph’s memory are asked by family to consider Hospice of Northwest Michigan.

A graveside service officiated by Rev. David Behling will be on April 4, 2024, at Maple Lawn Cemetery at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be at the Boyne City Eagles following.

Arrangements are in the care of Stackus Funeral Home.

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