Dorothy Richardson

Dorothy Elaine Richardson was born on February 7, 1930 in rural Essex, Iowa, the daughter Elmer Alexander Johnson and Edna Olive (Anderson) Johnson. She passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Tuesday evening, March 6 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha at the age of 82 years and 28 days. Dorothy grew up in rural Essex where she attended country school. She attended high school in Shenandoah, Iowa and graduated with the Class of 1948. During her high school years, she worked at Mae Farmers. After high school, she worked at the Iowa Power and Light Company. On February 27, 1949 she was united in marriage to Robert Eugene Richardson at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shenandoah. Dorothy and Bob were blessed to have four sons, Robert Michael, Charles Patrick, John Steven, and James David. In January 1953, Dorothy and Bob, along with Dorothy's parents, Elmer and Edna Johnson, opened J & R Furniture and Carpet in Shenandoah. They enjoyed serving the people of Southwest Iowa, Northwest Missouri, and Southeast Nebraska for almost 60 years. Dorothy owned and operated their furniture store until her passing. Dorothy was devoted to her faith, to her family, and to...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

r community. Her quiet wisdom and mentoring was a source of strength for all. Her interests revolved around her family and their activities such as motorsports and farming. Her greatest joys are her grandchildren and her great grandchild. She was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church where she served on Altar Guild, various committees, and as a Sunday morning greeter. Dorothy was a wonderful cook and delighted family and friends with her culinary expertise. In recent years, she enjoyed her sunroom addition and newly remodeled kitchen where she created many dishes including favorites of pastries, pies, pizza, prime rib, cookies, and Swedish pancakes. She was also proud of her Swedish Lutheran heritage. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Edna Johnson, two sisters, Marvis Cool and Rogene Johnson, and her husband, Robert Eugene Richardson. Survivors include her children, Mike Richardson and wife Jolene of Franklin, Tennessee, Charlie Richardson of Shenandoah, Steve Richardson of Shenandoah and Lori Balke of Beatrice, Nebraska, Jim Richardson and wife Niki of Shenandoah; four grandchildren, Charles Richardson and his wife Heather of Bellevue, Nebraska, Patrick Richardson of Shenandoah, Nicki and Michele Richardson of New York City, NY, and one great grandson, Lucas Richardson of Bellevue, Nebraska; along with many other relatives and friends.