Marlis Marie Richards

Marlis Marie (VandenLangenberg) Richards, age 83, of Townsend, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026. She was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1942, to Alfred & Marcella (Rukamp) VandenLangenberg.

Marlis graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1960. In 1992, she met the love of her life, George Lyle Richards, and they were married on May 6, 1994. Together they recently celebrated 31 wonderful years of marriage and had their union blessed at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lakewood, Wisconsin.

Marlis loved bowling in the Green Bay Women's League and she attended many national bowling tournaments, while achieving a high game of 264 in her bowling career. Her passion for flowers was evident each year as she filled her home and yard with beautiful plantings. Marlis also greatly enjoyed traveling and playing cards with family and friends. She was very active in the American Legion Auxiliary Post 44 in Wabeno, where she proudly served as Vice President. Above all, Marlis loved her family and cherished time spent at family gatherings.

She is survived by her loving husband, George Richards; her sons, William Earley, and David (Lisa) Earley; and her step-children, Kevin Richards and his girlfriend Shelley Derosa and Beth (Steve) Wooten.

She was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother and is lovingly remembered by: Ashley and Cory Gottlieb, and their son, Emmett; Katelyn and Ben Williamson; Zachery and Jorgie Earley; Alyson Earley and her son, Mason; Tyler Earley and Kayla Vandevoort, and their children, Atlas Earley and Lilah Vandevoort; Justin Earley and his husband Brandon Phillips; Amber and Andy Hyland, and their children, Beckett and Ryder; Dakota Earley and Mackenzie Olp, and their children, Dawson and Jaysen Earley; Josh Richards and Claire Richards.

She is further survived by her siblings, Mary Verheyen, Sandy (Mike) Klimek, Roger (Bonnie) VandenLangenberg, Pete VandenLangenberg, and Keith (Cathy) VandenLangenberg; and her sisters-in-law, Dorothy VandenLangenberg and Betty VandenLangenberg as well as many nieces and nephews.

Marlis was also preceded in death by her two sons, Jerry & Paul Earley, Infant Daughter Sherry Earley; Brothers, Clayton, Earl & Rodney VandenLangenberg; Sister, Carmen Kane; Brother-in-laws, John Kane & Cyril Verheyen; Sister-in-law, Cheri VandenLangenberg; Granddaughter Megan Kenna VanTyle; Niece, Jamie Rozmiarek.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Lakewood EMS Rescue Team for their compassion, care, and kindness.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church (15232 Co Hwy F, Lakewood, WI) from 9 am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am with Father Praveen Pamisetti officiating. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.