Joseph Leonard Richardson

Joseph Leonard Richardson

Cedar Rapids

Joseph Leonard Richardson, 89, died on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at Stoney Point Meadows Senior Living.

Public Visitation will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids. Graveside services with military rites will be held at St Joseph Cemetery in the spring.

Joe was born on March 3, 1933, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Wilbur “Irish” and Dorothy (Fritz) Richardson. He graduated from Washington High School and at the young age of 17 years old dutifully enlisted in the U.S. Army. Joe was a proud Veteran of the Korean War and saw active duty. He would reminisce of living in a foxhole for a whole winter, stating “his feet are cold to this day and have never warmed up.” One day during Joe’s active duty the officers were looking for any soldier who could operate a typewriter. Joe, always ahead of his time had taken a typing class in high school and was very proficient. Joe was awarded the position as the typist to the officers stationed in Germany. Joe rose to the rank of Sergeant, and those high-ranking officers were so impressed with Joe’s savvy business mind (not to mention his great poker playing,) they assisted in securing an appointment at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Although this was a great honor, Joe had other ideas and married a pretty girl back home by the name of Beverly Ann Palmer on Nov. 23, 1953, at St. James Catholic Church in Washington, Iowa.

Joe was a hard worker and always a budding businessman. Even at the early age of 7 years old he would ride shotgun into the Chicago’s Union Stockyards with the truckdrivers employed by his father. While there he would wander around alone and sell watermelons and other goods to make an extra buck to buy a bike. Joe was one of the only kids in town with a bicycle with rubber tires (these were war years). As an adult the hard work continued, starting his career at Russell’s Guides and working his way up to the President of the company. After retirement he also worked at J & A Printing.

Dad was so proud of all the family vacations we took each summer during our childhood. He often worked two jobs to make those vacations happen, selling used cars and flipping houses. Joe’s sense of humor was huge, some of his favorite lines were “this is your leader speaking,” and “the checks in the mail”. He taught his sons to build models, handyman work and how to fix cars. He taught his daughters how to have tea parties and swing dance. Dad wasn’t known for being affectionate or verbal with his love for us, but he was our anchor. There whenever we would need anything, and always willing to lend a hand. He will forever be in our hearts and memories. It was his time to go, he was tired. He is now at peace.

Survivors include his children, Dan (Diana) Richardson, Randy (Deana) Richardson, Angie (Randy Hart) Nye, all of Cedar Rapids and Kristy (Mike) Phillips of Vinton; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Joann Bell all of Cedar Rapids. As well as his best friends Steve and Loretta Bacon with whom he shared a Friday night dinner for the past 45 years (1600-plus dinners) and his longtime friend Dallas Kaegbein.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Richardson; and one brother and one sister.

Special thanks to the staff at Stoney Point Senior Living for their never-ending support, and loving care provided to Joe.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.