Margery Louise Richardson
December 1, 1937 — June 28, 2024
Margery Louise (Kestler) Richardson, loving wife, mother, and servant of God, passed away at the age of 86, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Marion, Iowa, where the family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at St. Matthew Lutheran Cemetery in Sherrill, Iowa. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.
Margery was born on December 1, 1937, at the family home on their farm in Osgood, Indiana, to Elmer and Gertrude (Minneman) Kestler. Margery was raised and lived on her family farm until she left for college. Margery was baptized at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at Fink’s Corner. On June 9, 1962, Margery married Carl John Richardson at the church where she was baptized. They were married for 59 years and raised two children, their daughter, Kimberly Sue, and their son, Eric Lee.
Margery attended school in Napoleon, Indiana for twelve years, graduating in 1956. After high school graduation, she attended college at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Music. After graduating college, she taught in elementary schools until the couple moved to Georgia for Carl’s career and their daughter Kimberly was born making her a mother. Early in their marriage Carl was called to the ministry. The family relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where Margery returned to work while Carl received his Master of Divinity. It was during this time that their son Eric became a member of the family.
Margery devoted her life to her family and to serving the Lord. Over the years, Margery continued her work as a teacher in many roles, both in public and parochial schools. Margery lived her life led by scripture, with Isaiah 41:10 at the center:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Margery is survived and lovingly remembered by her two children Kimberly Sue Richardson of Cedar Rapids, and Eric (Lisa) Richardson of Port Charlotte, Florida; two grandchildren, Spencer Richardson of Lexington, Kentucky, and Jesse Romans of Flemingsburg, Kentucky; two great-grandchildren, Zander and Bentlee Romans; sister-in-law, Carolyn Kestler of Osgood, Indiana; brother-in-law, Harvey (Nancy) Richardson of Hebron, Kentucky; sister-in-law, Shirley Bocock of Milan, Indiana; sister-in-law, Darlene (Tom) McGovern of Marion; as well as a host of other extended family members. Margery will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 59 years, Carl; and brother, Herbert Kestler.
Memorials may be given in memory of Margery Louise Richardson to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Youth Ministry in Marion, St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Sherill, Iowa, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Margery was born on December 1, 1937, at the family home on their farm in Osgood, Indiana, to Elmer and Gertrude (Minneman) Kestler. Margery was raised and lived on her family farm until she left for college. Margery was baptized at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at Fink’s Corner. On June 9, 1962, Margery married Carl John Richardson at the church where she was baptized. They were married for 59 years and raised two children, their daughter, Kimberly Sue, and their son, Eric Lee.
Margery attended school in Napoleon, Indiana for twelve years, graduating in 1956. After high school graduation, she attended college at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Music. After graduating college, she taught in elementary schools until the couple moved to Georgia for Carl’s career and their daughter Kimberly was born making her a mother. Early in their marriage Carl was called to the ministry. The family relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where Margery returned to work while Carl received his Master of Divinity. It was during this time that their son Eric became a member of the family.
Margery devoted her life to her family and to serving the Lord. Over the years, Margery continued her work as a teacher in many roles, both in public and parochial schools. Margery lived her life led by scripture, with Isaiah 41:10 at the center:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Margery is survived and lovingly remembered by her two children Kimberly Sue Richardson of Cedar Rapids, and Eric (Lisa) Richardson of Port Charlotte, Florida; two grandchildren, Spencer Richardson of Lexington, Kentucky, and Jesse Romans of Flemingsburg, Kentucky; two great-grandchildren, Zander and Bentlee Romans; sister-in-law, Carolyn Kestler of Osgood, Indiana; brother-in-law, Harvey (Nancy) Richardson of Hebron, Kentucky; sister-in-law, Shirley Bocock of Milan, Indiana; sister-in-law, Darlene (Tom) McGovern of Marion; as well as a host of other extended family members. Margery will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 59 years, Carl; and brother, Herbert Kestler.
Memorials may be given in memory of Margery Louise Richardson to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Youth Ministry in Marion, St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Sherill, Iowa, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
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