Richarda (Giessinger)Monson

Richarda Ann (Giessinger) Monson died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 92, March 20, 2011 in St. Johns, Michigan. Richarda was born on August 1, 1918 in Selz, North Dakota, the daughter of John and Regina (Lesmeister) Giessinger. She met and married Fredric M. Monson in Minnesota and Fredric preceded her in death in 1978. Richarda was a dental assistant and office manager for many years. Her love of family, commitment to volunteerism, and loyalty as a friend made up a legacy that she has passed on to her family. Even at 92, Richarda loved to play Scrabble and worked the New York Times crossword puzzle daily.

Richarda is survived by her children, Bengt (Ann) Monson of Minnesota, Fredric (Josefina) Monson of Texas, John Monson of Texas, Mark (Charmaine) Monson of Michigan and Helen (David) O'Dell also of Michigan, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters, Margaret Schmidt of South Dakota and Marie Trandall of Wyoming and sister-in-law, Florence Giessinger of Flint and brother, Eugene (Nancy) Giessinger of South Dakota. Along with her parents and her husband, Richarda was preceded in death by her brother, Leo Giessinger and brother-in-law, Kermit Schmidt.

Mass of funeral burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 24, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy as celebrant. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the mass at 9 AM at the Osgood Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial contributions be sent to Clinton County Senior Center or WKAR Public Television.

The family is being served by the Osgood funeral Home.