Kenneth “Ken” R. Richards

Kenneth “Ken” R. Richards, 96, of Onaway, died Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Medilodge of Hillman. Ken was born in Rochester October 12, 1925.  

He was raised in the greater Detroit area and went on to join the U.S. Naval Service where he served in the Pacific during World War II.  He married Diane Lee who preceded him in death in 2009 and for most of his life worked as a truck driver hauling gravel for road construction.

Ken had a bit of an adventurous spirit and didn’t stay in one place too long.  Through the years he lived in numerous states including Michigan, Arizona, Colorado and eventually Alaska where he finally felt at home.  He absolutely loved the rugged wilderness and the serene peacefulness of living in the woods of Alaska where he could watch moose while having his morning coffee. 

Ken was an avid gun collector, loved shooting sports, and belonged to several gun clubs. Living a good part of his life in Michigan, he was an avid hunter and fisherman.  

He enjoyed deer and bear hunting, as well as late night smelt dipping with his wife, Diane.  Of course, Alaska had plenty to offer in the way of the outdoors and Ken fished for halibut and hunted big game while living in Anchor Point.  He eventually returned to Michigan, moving to Onaway in 2009 to be closer to his family.

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Ken’s family will remember him as being tough as nails, somewhat gruff, but with a tender heart full of love for all of them. 

He will be sadly missed by his son, Bob Richards (Jackie Werda) of Onaway; daughters, Micki (Scott) Thomas of Howell and Lisa (Chris) Schemanske of Brighton; son-in-law, Joe Kuretich of Colorado; and 12 grandchildren including Josh and Jennifer Kuretich, both of Colorado. Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Diane; a daughter, Teri Kuretich in 2021; and his mother, Emma Richards.

At this time Ken will be honored by his family privately.  Cremation arrangements were in care of Chagnon Funeral Home.