Myles Odean Richards

Myles Odean Richards, 75, of La Crosse passed away on Friday, May 01, 2015 unexpectedly, but peacefully at home. He was born March 18, 1940 in Caledonia, MN to Max and Gladys (Wilcox) Richards. On June 3rd, 1961, Myles married his loving wife Eleanor Fortun at Our Saviors Lutheran Church and later had four children together.
He was a loving son, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved hunting and being out in nature. He was a man of many trades and endless talents. He was an accomplished carpenter and machinist and took pride in everything he did; going out of his way to help anyone and everyone who needed it. He initially was in a logging business with his father. Later he worked as a Lab Technician and Designer at La Crosse Cooler Company until its closing and then became the Maintenance Supervisor at Central States Warehouse for many years. His career culminated in his own landscaping and excavating business. He enjoyed music and dancing and that is how he met his wife of 54 years. Myles liked to work, but more than anything loved to spend time with his family; enjoying gatherings and picnics at “the land.” He loved and spoiled his cats, Bear and Rascal.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his children, Kelly (Michelle) Richards, Kimberly Richards Marquez, Debbie (Fiancé Jim) Richards, David (Lucinda) Richards; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Albrecht, Ian Richards, Dylan Richards, Cruz Marquez Richards, Jessica (Casey) Jeffers, Karina (Fiancé Christopher) Richards; great grandchildren Hunter, Ellie, Lucas and a great granddaughter due in August; mother-in-law Mildred Fortun; siblings, sister Audrey Frauenkron, sister-in law Betty Richards and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Max Richards, and brother Kenny Frauenkron.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, La Crosse. Rev. Dr. Mark Jolivette will officiate. Burial will be in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse on Wednesday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of services.