Ethel A Richardson
Ethel A. (LaPean) Richardson, age 94 of Eau Claire, formerly of Durand, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 17, 2025, under the care of St. Croix Hospice.
Ethel was born on October 2, 1930, to Will and Clara (Richardson) LaPean on the family farm. She was the last of six children. Ethel attended Plummer grade school and graduated from Arkansaw High School.
Ethel met Lyle Richardson when she was still in high school. She knew he was the one for her. He proposed to her but was told he had to wait until she graduated high school. Ethel was very proud of the fact that she was the only one in her family to graduate from high school. Ethel and Lyle were married November 2, 1948, at the United Methodist Church in Arkansaw. Nine children were born to this union. Over the years, they lived in Arkansaw, Durand, Wabasha, MN, Mondovi, Caledonia, MN and Maquoketa, IA.
Ethel and Lyle enjoyed dancing, square, round and ballroom. She and Lyle also liked to golf. Ethel spent many hours sewing and knitting hats, mittens and afghans for family and friends. She loved spending time in her vegetable and flower gardens. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Methodist Church. Because of her love for children, she baby sat in her home for over 50 years. The title of Grandma Ethel was used by many families in Maquoketa. Because of health reasons, they moved to Eau Claire in 2016 to be close to family.
Ethel is survived by her children, Michael (Maureen) Richardson of Blaine, MN, Dianna (Steven) Brantner of Mondovi, Cheryl Alme Bysong of Pepin, Mark (Julie) of Clinton, IA, Scott (Dawn) of Twin Falls, ID, Elle (Brad) Goering of Franklin, TN and son-in-law, Daniel Farrey of Benton, 17 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Lyle, daughters, Debra Farrey and Melissa Richardson, a son in infancy, Milan and three grandchildren, Amanda, Angela and Michael.
Funeral Services will be 11:00AM Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Arkansaw United Methodist Church in Arkansaw with Rev. Tom Elliot officiating. Burial will be in the Arkansaw Memorial Cemetery in Arkansaw. Visitation will be from 4:00PM-7:00PM Tuesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. A Celebration of Life will follow the burial at Molly’s on Main in Plum City.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.