Memorial

Carl “Gene” Richards, 77, of Marion, died peacefully Wednesday April 28, 2021 at Mercy Medical Center surrounded by family. Private services will be held at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A visitation will be held on Sunday May 2, 2021 from 2-5 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

“Following the continued guidance from health officials, physical distancing must be practiced which requires a limited number of people allowed into the visitation at one time. The use of facemasks or shields is required.”

Gene was born June 5, 1943 to the parents of Ira and Winnie Richards in Wier City, Kansas.  Gene graduated from Southeast Rural High School in 1962.

Gene ventured to Iowa in 1962 with his father.  He soon became a laborer and then a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 125 for 55 years, retired in July of 2006.

Gene met the love of his life in 1965 and married Sandra Kanengieter on June 11, 1966 in Cedar Rapids, IA.   Gene and Sandi move to Marion, IA in 1970.  They were blessed with three children and lived in the same house until his death.   He was a lifetime member of the Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. and A. M. Marion Lodge #6.

Gene loved to spend time with his family and friends.  He was always armed with a hug and quirky smile.  He enjoyed traveling to Texas for the winter with Sandi.  Gene never missed an opportunity to see his children or grandchildren.  Gene could spend hours in a garden or flower bed.   He enjoyed growing his plants from seeds.   Gene was a jack of all trades; he could patch your jeans or help build a garage.  He loved to share is lifelong knowledge with his children and grandchildren, teaching them things about life, values, family, and love.     

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Winnie Richards, his brother Mac Richards, nephew Mark Richards, and his Mother and Father-in-law, Nannie Mae and Ralph Kanengieter.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Sandi Richards of Marion, daughter Carla (Mike) DeGeorge of Brooklyn, IA, children; Samantha DeGeorge, Shelby DeGeorge, and Trinity Dingle.  Son George Richards (Bonnie Shannon) of Springville, IA, children; Dakota Richards, Cody Richards, Cordell Richards, Kayda Coble, and Madi Martin.  Son Tim (Jennifer) Richards of Cedar Rapids, IA, children; Evelyn and Benjamin Richards.  Sister, Sue (Roger) Reid of Cedar Rapids, IA, Bob (Lynn) Richards of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Jack (Judy) Richards of Elizabeth City, North Carolina.  Sister-in-law Twila Kelley-Thomann and Brother-in-law Michael RJ Kanengieter of Colorado.  Gene is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews.