Thomas Lee Richards, 76, of Shawano, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on Aug. 12, 1936, in Argonne, he was the son of the late George and Helen (House) Richards. In 1955 Tom enlisted with the United States Navy and served his country for four years aboard an aircraft carrier. On June 10, 1961, he was united in marriage to Betty Splitgerber at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. Tom worked for the Maple Lane Health Care Facility in the town of Belle Plaine for 25 years. He also drove school bus in Shawano for 19 years. In his free time he enjoyed raising beef cattle, bird watching, gardening and tending to his apple orchard. Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty; four daughters, Nancy Richards, of Shawano, Rhonda (fiancé, Keith Mietus) Richards, of Sobieski, Peggy (Dan) Kugel, of River Falls, and Jenny (Jeff) Hilliker, of Shawano; seven grandchildren, Caleb, Isaac and Halle Hopfensperger, Devin and Brinley Kugel, Bryce and Kiana Hilliker; a brother, Donald Richards; five sisters, Betty Cochran, Arlene Eul, Margaret Lukavich, Alice Pritzl, Mary Misfeldt; and many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by a daughter, Marsha Hopfensperger; his parents; four brothers, Leo, James, Francis and twin brother Theodore; and two sisters, Agnes Dillenburg and Rita Singer. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2013, at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano with the Rev. Roland Golz officiating. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano with military rites conducted by Shawano American Legion Post 117. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
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