James "Joe" Richarz

James Richarz, age 79 of Larchwood, IA died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011 at Avera McKennan Hospital is Sioux Falls, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, Jan. 19th at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, IA, with Father Jeff Schleisman officiating. Burial will follow at the Larchwood Cemetery in Larchwood, IA. Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 18th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood. There will be a Vigil service held at 7:00 PM Tuesday evening at the church. James Joseph Richarz was born January 23, 1931 in Larchwood, IA to Ed and Marie (Breuer) Richarz. He was raised on a farm near Larchwood and received his education at St. Marys Catholic School in Larchwood, graduating in 1948. On August 28, 1951 he was united in marriage to Millie Roemen at the Church of St. Mary and the couple made their home on a farm near Larchwood. To this union six children were born. Joe helped his Dad farm and continued farming. He loved to work on the farm and was a farmer through and through. Even after selling his own place, he went to work for the Wulf Brothers and later at Midwest Livestock in order to stay involved with farming. When his health forced him to stop working, Joe enjoyed keeping his own garden and did so as long as his health allowed. Joe and Millie moved into Larchwood six years ago and their son Lee moved to the home place. They enjoyed playing cards with other couples in town and Joe enjoyed following the Minnesota Twins and Iowa Hawkeyes. The greatest love of Joes life was his family. He loved them all very much and they will miss him greatly. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will hold many fond memories of their grandpa and Millie and her children will remember him as a caring man; one who was always loving to them and friendly to others. This past Saturday, Joe died at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 79. Joe is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Millie; daughters, MaryJo (Linn) Susie of Steen, MN, Deb Richarz of LeMars, IA, Jayne (Doug) Moe of Brandon, SD, Julie (Kenneth) Miller of Lester, IA, Joan (Glenn) Beaner of Harrisburg, SD; son, Lee (Sarah) Richarz of Larchwood, IA; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and many other extended family members and friends.