Lawrence (Sonny) Richer Jr.

Sonny was born on April 16, 1935 in Escanaba Michigan. He attended Bark River High School and served in the Korean Conflict. On September 5, 1959 he married Kathleen Dugener in Escanaba, Mich. They were married 51 years and raised five children in the Flat Rock area. She proceeded him in death on October 6, 2010.

Living his entire life in the Upper Peninsula, Sonny was passionate about life and lived his to the fullest. He raced stock cars in Escanaba for many years and continued his love for competing by being a member of the UP Garden Tractor Pullers, pulling until he was 84 years old. He was proud of the many trophies he won along the way. He was a devoted husband who cared for his wife relentlessly for 23 years following her stroke. He loved being with his family and playing Euchre at family gatherings.

He was a diesel mechanic for Clairmont Transfer for 19 years and later worked for Tilbert’s Brake and Alignment. He tinkered with anything mechanical and spent many long nights in his garage repairing and building vehicles for family and friends. While living in Flat Rock, he was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church. In 2019, following several health issues, he moved to New London Wisconsin to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his children Daniel (Rebecca) of Zumbrota, Minn., William “Bill” of Green Bay, Wis., Amy (Alan) Nystrom of Marshfield, Wis., Lisa (Joel) Barta of Suamico, Wis., and Thomas (Katie) Richer of Spread Eagle, Wis. He is further survived by seven grandchildren, Lucas Richer, OTD and Benjamin Richer of Minneapolis, Minn., Danielle and Bradley Nystrom of Marshfield, Wis., Lauren Barta, MD of Milwaukee, Wis., James Barta of Green Bay, Wis. and Nicole (Tyler) Romback of Negaunee, Mich. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Sophia Richer and Melvin Romback, and his sister, JoAnn (Gregg) Johnson of Bark River, Mich. He is further survived by nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Sonny was preceded in death by his grandson, Thomas John (TJ) Richer and his parents Lawrence Sr. and Winifred (Gauthier) Richer.

The Richer family will receive friends beginning at 9 a.m. EST on Saturday, September 16, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. EST at church with Father Sebastian K. Chacko officiating. Sonny will be laid to rest with his wife in the Escanaba Township (Flat Rock) cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the nurses, doctors and staff of the third floor at ThedaCare Medical Center in New London for the phenomenal and compassionate care given to him during his final days.