Alice M Richards

Alice M. Richards, 95, of Ely, passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Essentia Health- St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth.
Alice was born Sept. 24, 1921 to William and Saima (Knuutti) Perttula on the family homestead in Ely, delivered by her grandmother, a midwife.
Alice was a graduate of Ely Memorial High School, Class of 1939.
She was united in marriage to William Richards on June 15, 1940. They had eight children.
She was very proud of her Finnish heritage and spoke the language fluently. Finnish biscuit and tarts were her specialties. Saturday was always sauna night. She was a talented seamstress and quilter.
Her family, friends and faith were her passions in life. Small in stature, but big in heart.
Alice had a love of the outdoors - camping, hunting, fishing, trapping, berry picking, harvesting wild rice, cutting firewood and cross country skiing.
She shoveled her owns roofs up to the age of 81.
Alice took daily walks with her friend Millie for many years.
Alice was an active member of First Lutheran Church her entire life.
She is survived by: her children Nancy Lekatz of Princeton, MN; Vonnie Kosnitch of Ely, MN; Alice Ann (Dennis) Bohlsen, Zimmerman, MN; Tim (Nancy) Richards of Ely, MN; Mark (Michele) Richards of Ely, MN; and Scott Richards of Ely, MN; grandchildren Tracy (Jeff) Lane, Carter Lekatz, Michelle (Dustin) Kosnitch, John W. (Chris) Kosnitch, Jill (Dave) Horvath, David (Kelley) Bohlsen, Darren (Melissa) Bohlsen, Audra (Dave) Fink, Alison (Chris) Garey, Krista (Shawn) Maki-Zurn, Steven (Katie) Maki, Brandi (Dave) Berger, Billy Richards, Brittany Schwarz, Brooke (Bob) Zupancich, Kailly (Ricky) Richards, 31 great and 4 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Roy Perttula and Mathew Perttula; sister Elma Boe; husband William; son Roy William; daughter Becky Maki; grandsons Randy Lekatz and Rustin Richards; great-granddaughter Hannah Horvath; sons-in-law Paul Lekatz and John Kosnitch.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 25, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at First Lutheran Church in Ely with a visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
 
 

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