FARGO, N.D. — Gerry Richardson, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 8, 2022.
Gerry Ethlynn Voorhees was born to Don and Helen Voorhees on June 11, 1942, in Buffalo, Minn. She grew up in Hitchcock, and graduated from Hitchcock High School in 1960. Gerry attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, and graduated with a degree in secretarial science.
After graduating, Gerry moved to Aberdeen and lived above a nightspot where she met the love of her life, Howard Richardson, in 1963. They were married on February 21, 1964. They celebrated 58 years of marriage this February. Gerry and Howard had their first daughter, Sara, in 1965 while living in Bath Corner. They moved to Fargo in 1968 in one of the worst blizzards they had ever seen.
Gerry, more commonly known as “Richie” worked at Fargo Rubber Stamp in the ribbon department for almost 25 years. After leaving FRS, she did home daycare for a few years and was blessed with many “bonus” grandkids. She then worked at Border States Electric until she finally retired in 2007.
Gerry and Howard were blessed with three more children while living in Fargo - Sally in 1969, Sonya in 1971, and Scott in 1973. Along with her children, Gerry spent many nights working the back gate at the West Fargo and Glyndon racetracks while Howard raced.
Gerry was most passionate about her children and grandchildren. She loved attending their school events, making them fudge, playing cards, and board games all night. They liked to try and trick her, but she loved to try and beat them. Gerry loved visiting with people and enjoying life.
Gerry is survived by her husband, Howard and her four children: daughters Sara (Andy) Mack, of Buxton, N.D., Sally Hamilton, of Fargo and Sonya Kiehl, of Fargo, her son, Scott (Carla) Richardson, Pelican Rapids, Minn.; eight grandchildren; Tony Mack, Spencer Mack, Danielle (Jamey) Glewwe, Tatiana (Joseph) Hackman, Caden Kiehl, Dustin Kiehl, Hannah Richardson, Cale Richardson; one great-grandson, Cayson Mack; her sisters, Susan Jacobson, of Rapid City, Linda (Pete) Stach, of Hill City, and Ruth (Gary) Felderman, of Doland; a brother, Donald (Dana) Voorhees, Hill City, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents- Helen Voorhees and Don Voorhees and sisters - Judy Buntrock and Donna Harris.
Visitation is 5:30 p.m. tonight, at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, in Fargo, with prayer service following at 7 p.m.
Gerry’s memorial service is 10 a.m. Saturday, at Faith United Methodist Church, Fargo.
Memorial donations can be made in Gerry’s name to Faith United Methodist Church in Fargo, where she was a member for more than 50 years.
