Valentine Richtig

IRON MOUNTAIN - Valentine L. "Tinkala" Richtig, 95, of 429 Blaine St. in Iron Mountain, died Friday, March 30, 2007, at Freeman Convalescent Home. He was born Dec. 27, 1911, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Paul and Mary (Mortl) Richtig. He was a lifelong resident of Iron Mountain, and he attended Iron Mountain Schools. He married Celia Clements of Bradley Wis. on Feb. 18 1941. He served his country as a corporal in the Army Air Force During World War II. He worked in the local mines as a youth and was employed by Ford Motor Co. and Bacco Construction Co. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. He also took great pride in his vegetable garden and lawn. He was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice and had a passion for singing his entire life. More recently at Freeman's, he enjoyed bowling, bingo and Trivial Pursuit. He enjoyed his large family and had a great love for little children. We will never forget his memorable stories, positive attitude and great sense of humor. He is survived by his wife; Celia; four sons, Gary (Jeannine) Richtig of Spread Eagle, Wis., John (Joanie) Richtig of Iron Mountain, Dave (Chris) Richtig of Aurora, Wis. and Jim (Lisa) Richtig of Kingsford; three daughters, Rena Richtig of Mt. Pleasant, Maria (Donald) Gerred of Janesville, Wis. and Pamela (Rev. Bill) Hohman of Merrill, Wis.; one brother, William Richitig of ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford; 27 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two children, Dennis Richtig in 1948 and Brenda Yuhasey in 2004; brothers, Paul, John, Mike and Christ; and sisters, Frances, Elizabeth, Mary and Victoria. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home and 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church. Msgr. James Kaczmarek will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Pallbearers will be Gary, John, Dave and Jim Richtig, Daniel Yuhasey, and Christopher Richtig. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Condolences to the family of Valentine Richtig can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home with arrangements.

Valentine Richtig

April 2, 2007