Suzanne “Suzie” G. Richwalski, age 94, of Tomahawk, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Milestone Assisted Living in Tomahawk. Susie was born in Richland Center, Wis., on May 24, 1930, to the late William and Verda (Adams) West. She attended local schools and after graduation found work in Madison, Wis., where she met Owen Richards. They married and shortly after moved to Tomahawk, Owen’s hometown. They built their home on the Spirit Flowage and raised their two children. After the children entered school, Suzie went to work at Owens-Illinois, now PCA. Owen passed away on May 14, 1977. After his passing, Suzie continued to work at O-I until her retirement.
She later met Ed Richwalski from Rhinelander, Wis., and they married in Jamaica in 1986. Suzie and Ed traveled to all parts of the United States and Mexico in their RV, finally spending winters in Mission, Tex. They also cruised through the Panama Canal and several times to Alaska. Ed passed away in 2008.
Suzie lived on the Spirit Flowage until she no longer could manage the everyday chores. She then moved into her new home at Milestone Assisted Living in 2018 where she stayed until her passing.
Suzie is survived by her children, Robert (Ginger) Richards, of Tomahawk, and Susan (Jim) Vigneau, also of Tomahawk; her sister, Kathleen Standish, of Windsor, Wis.; her grandson, Zach Easton, of Georgia; two great-grandchildren, Emma Grace and Owen; and special friends, Nancy and Greg Powers. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Suzie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Verda; her first husband, Owen; her second husband, Ed; her sisters, Elizabeth Briggs and Charlotte Mathews; and her brothers, William and Charles West.
In accordance with Suzie’s wishes, no formal services will be held. The blessing and scattering of ashes will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Lincoln County Humane Society in Merrill, Wis.
The family would like to thank Milestone Assisted Living for the wonderful care given to their mother. Also, a special thank you goes out to Dr. Ierulli, Jess, the hospital staff at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital, and Compassus Hospice for their guidance through this difficult time.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. You may view Suzie’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.
