Karen J. Richardson

Karen J. Richardson, age 81 of Arkansaw, died Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at the Plum City Care Center peacefully in her sleep.
Karen was born on June 13, 1934 in Plum City. She was the daughter of George and Lucille (Hofmeister) Waldvogel. Karen grew up in Plum City and graduated from Plum City High School in 1952 and worked at the Plum City Café. After high school, Karen worked at Hazel Kezar Café in Durand. Karen married Archie Richardson on August 8, 1953 at the Lutheran church parsonage in Plum City. After marriage, Karen and Archie lived in “the small house” in Arkansaw, where they started their family. In March of 1959 Karen and Archie moved their family to a farm in the Town of Frankfurt where they continued to raise their family and farm. In 1975, Karen and Archie bought the Harold’s bar in Arkansaw and changed the name to Archie’s, which they owned and operated for 20 years. Karen served as an EMT for the Durand Municipal Ambulance Service, she worked for Vasa in Red Wing from 1989-1995 and the Pepin County Senior Center from 2004-2009. She volunteered her time at the Arkansaw Elementary School from 2009-2011 and was affectionately known by the kids as “Grandma Karen.” For the last two years, Karen has been a resident of both the Oakview Care Center and the Plum City Care Center.
Karen enjoyed bowling, cooking, gardening, canning and baking. She also liked horseback riding, bartending and talking with friends at Archie’s. Karen loved spending time with her family, especially going to her grandchildren’s school activities. For over 25 years, Karen and Archie always had the Wednesday Suppers at Karen’s kitchen on the farm. Everyone from family, friends and neighbors were invited to join them for a meal and sharing.
Karen in survived by her husband of 62 years; Archie, nine children; Ed (Chris), Brad (LaNita), Randy (Audrey), all of Arkansaw, Rick (Carol), Cindy (Galen) Koller, Brian (Chris), all of Durand, Barry (Sarah) of Arkansaw, Brock (Lucy) of Durand, Jessie (Pam) of Plum City, 29 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, one sister; Judy (Doug) Brunner of Plum City, one brother; Kenneth (Becky) Waldvogel of Plum City, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, three grandsons; Jason Alan, Shon Edward and Shannon Bradley Richardson, one great granddaughter; Stella Richardson, one sister; DeAnne Turner and two brothers; James and Jerry Waldvogel.
Memorial Services were held at 6:45 PM Monday, September 28, 2015 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. Rev. Dan Richardson and Pastor Kevin Hutter officiated. Visitation held from 3-6:45 PM Monday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand.