Gene “Pudgie” Richard

Gene was born on May 22, 1939, in Iron Mountain to Paul and Irene (Peede) Richard. He was a lifelong resident of the Iron Mountain/Kingsford/Norway area and attended Kingsford schools.

Gene worked as a laborer on the pipeline, did construction work, and also spent several years operating a local landfill.

On Sept. 2, 1967, in Iron Mountain, Gene was united in marriage to Mary Beth Vinskoski. They enjoyed 51 years together before her passing in 2019. Together, Gene and Mary Beth raised two daughters.

In his spare time Gene liked listening to country music, playing pool, hunting, and carpentry projects. He was naturally talented as a carpenter and, even with no professional training, could easily build a house on his own. More than anything, though, Gene enjoyed the time he spent with his friends and family.

He is survived by his daughters, Kelly (Scott) Kline of Norway, and Cyndi Richard of Vulcan; two granddaughters, Tianna Sanchez and Bobbie Jo Wagner; and two great-grandchildren, Khloe and Kayden Olp.

In addition to his wife and parents, Gene was preceded in death by all of his siblings.

At Gene’s request, there will be no services.

Condolences to the family of Gene Richard may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.