George "Sonny" Richmond

Limestone

Heaven gained another angel, George LeRoy “Sonny” Richmond, age 95, of Limestone, died Friday, October 21, 2022 at his home.

Sonny was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin to the late Elizabeth Richmond. He spent the first four years of his life in foster care while his mom worked. He then moved back to Trenary with his mom and stepdad John Laytonen. Growing up, Sonny was especially close to his Uncle Frank and Aunt Lucielle, Aunt Josie, and cousin Betty.

After Sonny graduated from Trenary High School in 1945 he went to the draft board and was drafted into the army. He served overseas for two years as a staff sergeant at the end of World War II and then enlisted in the Reserves.

Sonny came back home to Trenary where he started working in the woods for his Uncle Frank, which turned into a partnership and the start of Richmond and Hawley Saw Mill between Sonny, his Uncle Frank, and his cousin Ronald Hawley. Along with owning and operating the saw mill, Sonny raised seven children with his previous wife.  Sonny was very active in the community over the years and was a member of the Trenary United Methodist Church where he held various positions on the board and participated in the Men’s Group. Sonny also served on the Trenary State Bank Board, Trenary School Board, and Chatham Telephone Company Board. He was a member of the Lion’s Club for over 35 years. He was also in the U.P. Chief’s and was an active member of the Ikkala Brothers V.F.W. A highlight in Sonny’s later years was participating in the U.P. Honor Flight accompanied by his grandson Josh.

Sonny was hard-working and loved life. He gave his all to everything he did. He remained active around his house and in the community until the last few months. He enjoyed weekly coffee klatches with his friends and sharing stories about the past. To Sonny, everyone was a friend—some he just hadn’t met yet, and he never held a grudge. Sonny loved his Lord and tried to live every day to please him.

Sonny is survived by his best friend and wife of over 17 years Norma Kienitz; his children Cindy (Mike) Frey of Sauk City, WI, Keith (Laura) Richmond of Trenary, Auvergne (Sally) Richmond of Rock, Wayne (Sheila) Richmond of Eben, Brett (Amy) Richmond of Trenary; numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren; half-brother Bill (Molly) Kallio; in-laws  - Ted Kienitz, Judy Kienitz, Lewie (Diane) Kienitz, Lucy Kienitz, Ed Kienitz, Esther (Dean) Johnson, Floyd Kienitz, and Dawn Breault; and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Richmond; step-dad John Laytonen; sons Jay and Greg Richmond; and half-brother Bernie (Irene) Kallio.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at the Trenary United Methodist Church from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.  George’s Funeral will begin at 2:00 p.m.  Interment will follow at the Limestone Township Cemetery where military honors will be rendered.  Memorials in Sonny’s name may be made to the Trenary United Methodist Church, UP Honor Flight, or the Ikkala Brothers VFW Post.