.png)
Herb Richert
Herbert Henry Richert, 92, born March 10, 1932, on the family farm in Scottville, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024 surrounded by family. Herb was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and son. This being the temporary love story that began April 8, 1961, when he married Bonnie. Bonnie had seven boys whose ages ranged from 2 to 12 years old. Not many men of any age would or could take on that responsibility. Herb took that on and excelled at it!
Shortly after their marriage, they moved from Muskegon to the family farm south of Scottville. Bonnie wasn’t sure she could make the change. She was given a year to see if the farm was for her, if not Herb would take her back to the city. After spending time on the tractor and seeing how the farm worked for everyone, they stayed.
A little over a year later, Bonnie gave birth to her third set of twins, two more boys that made a family baseball team. There was never a dull moment from that time on.
The house was always full, whether it was their boys or the boys’ friends. It was often remarked that they never noticed an extra mouth, but could tell when one was missing.
Life on the farm was never boring. There was always something to do. It was harder for Herb than it was for the boys. Besides the farm, he was employed full-time at Dow Chemical as a millwright/machinist. Herb was also co-partners in Ludington Welding along with his wife Bonnie and son Mike Boerema. Herb retired from Dow Chemical in June of 1983.
Herb was a veteran who served during the Korean War with the U.S. Army. He was active with the Ludington AMVET organization, where he served as president for several years. Herb was always ready to give a helping hand to neighbors and friends in need.
He leaves a sister, Elsie Tauriainen of Ontonagon; sister-in-law Beatrice Richert of Midland; nine sons and eight daughters-in-law: Dave Boerema of Manistee, Jerry (Laura) Boerema of Dorr, Gary (Cindy) Boerema of Ludington, Steve (Robin) Boerema of Custer, Randy (Gerrie) Boerema of Scottville, Rickey (Dolly) Boerema of Ludington, Mike (Carre) Boerema of Ludington, Larry (Jennifer) Richert of Ludington, Tom (Libby) Richert of Manistee; daughters, Rhonda and Susan Richert; 37 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Herb was preceded in death by his mother and father Arthur and Margaret Richert; wife Bonnie I. Richert; brothers Everett, Roy and Gerald Richert; infant baby Richert; granddaughter Lisa Boerema; daughter-in-law Christine Boerema; grandson Jonathan Boerema and Jeff.
Although Bonnie and Herb’s story has ended here, their love story legacy will be carried on by their nine sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place, and Herb will be honored at a family memorial service at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Herb may be directed to Area 24 Special Olympics.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington. Please feel free to visit Herb’s personal book of memories page at www.OakGroveLudington.com to share a memory or photo.
.jpg)
