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Rodney B. Richardson

Rodney B. Richardson

Rodney B. Richardson, age 75 of Elmwood, died Friday, May 10, 2019 at his home in Elmwood with his family by his side.

Rod was born April 30, 1944 on the family farm in rural Arkansaw to Charles and Elda (Tulip) Richardson. Rod attended Arkansaw Schools and in 1961 he married Virginia Flanders and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Rod and Virginia had three daughters Shari, Gwen and Amy. While he was stationed in Florida, Rod became a very talented race car driver, earning many feature wins, track championships and setting track records. Rod passed his love of racing on to his only grandson Jake Hartung, who made “Bumps” very proud with his accomplishments. In 1986, Rod met Sonjia Rivard and they were married in 1999.

Rod enjoyed collecting agates and polishing them. He also enjoyed fishing year-round, especially trout fishing.

Rod is survived by his wife; Sonjia, daughters; Shari (Glen Simkunas) Hartung and Gwen (Larry) Eccles, step sons; Rick (Anja Fuchs) Rivard and Chad (Amy) Rivard, he was a special Grandfather “Bumps” to seven grandchildren; Sarah (Pat Schultz) Hartung, Kayla (Brian) Buck, Jake (Sarah) Hartung, Katelyn (Jane Plank) Feiler, Kelsey (Timmy) Klinski, Ruby Rivard and Gavin Nichols. He was blessed with seven great-grandchildren; Lucas, Samuel, Charles Rodney Hartung, Carter and Jackson Buck, Brinley and Gabriella Klinski and one brother; Don (Karol) Richardson. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, daughter; Amy (1981), siblings; Faye Ingli, Barbara Klemetson and Dean Richardson, three half-brothers and two half-sisters.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00PM-7:00PM Thursday, May 16, 2019 with a Service at 7:00PM at Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. Military Honors provided by the Elmwood American Legion Crain-Ottman Post #207 of Elmwood.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand is serving the family.

Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.

Condolences

  1. Theresa

    I’m so sorry to hear of Rodney’s passing, I’m sorry it is late. He was a wonderful man and neighbor and always willing to help! He also had a wonderful sense of humor. Sending deepest sympathies, Terri Brorson

  2. Jan & Joe Drier

    Our Deepest Sympathy, Thoughts and Prayers to the Family!

  3. Brent Schuler

    Thoughts and Prayers to the Richardson family.

  4. Gary and Tammy Baxter

    Sorry to hear about Rod’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Richardson Family.
    We remember racing at Red Cedar Speedway and always parking next to Rod in the pits, he always had a smile on his face and kind words to say.

  5. Jim Krause

    I am so sorry to hear of Rods passing. I will miss visiting with Rod on his deck, and when He would stop up last summer on his scooter with a treat for my dog Bucky. He will be missed. The Family has My sympathy.

  6. Kathleen McCardle

    My sympathy to you. I will miss seeing him on the deck!

  7. David and Ginny Wolske

    Sympathies to the entire family.
    Will miss him sitting on the front porch on Sunday morning!
    He will be missed by many.
    Love to all.

  8. M. G. Johnson

    My condolences to Rod's entire family. I used to enjoy talking to Rod at Red Cedar on Friday nights. Rod was a great person.
    Sincerely
    M. G. #36 Modified

  9. Dallas

    My sincerest condolences. Rodney was a good HS friend. RIP. Dallas Doughty

  10. Corey and Annette Nickels

    Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
    Gods Blessings for Strength and Comfort.

  11. Leigh Ardis Boutwell

     

  12. Tracey (Forster) Tulip

    So sorry for your loss, sending prayers

  13. Julie Lee

    So sad to hear of your loss. Rod (Darth Vader) will never be forgotten and will be missed by many!

  14. Richard & Dorothy Shannon

    sorry to hear of your loss,Our deepest sympathy to the family

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