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.