Merle Richardson

May 4, 1923 - February 21, 2020

Merle Arthur Richardson, 96, of Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on February 21, 2020 at the Bloomfield Care Center. He was born May 4, 1923 in Rutland, Iowa to Major and Hazel Law Richardson. In 1929, the family moved to Troy, Iowa where Merle would attend school until graduation in 1941. He served in the Navy during WWII and was discharged in 1946. On November 16, 1946 he married Lucille Manz in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Lucille passed away on May 8, 2013. Merle and Lucille lived in Milwaukee for three years after marriage before moving to Troy. Merle worked for Hull’s Hardware in Pulaski before being hired on at Barker in Keosauqua in 1953. He worked for Barker for 32 years, retiring in 1985. Merle and Lucille were charter members of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bloomfield. He is survived by three sons, Charles (Debra) Richardson of Runnells, Iowa, Thomas Richardson of Fairfield, Iowa, Gerald (Alice) Richardson of Ottumwa, Iowa; two daughters, Lynn Richardson of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Theresa (Neil) Johnson of Swisher, Iowa; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Ben Richardson; daughter-in-law, Sheryl Elarton Richardson; and six siblings. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2020 at the Troy Cemetery in Troy, Iowa with Pastor Janelle Osbeck officiating. Military rites will be performed by Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday with the family present to greet friends from 3-5:00 p.m. at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield. A memorial has been established to the Salvation Army.