Larry Francis Richards, age 87, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Sank and Glady Richards; his brother-in-law, Marv Brickert; his special cousin, Gene Davis; and his nephew, Adam Richards. He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 67 years, Janet; his children, Cindy and Tim Teegarden, Shelley and Tony Maniscalco, Randy and Tracie Richards, and Nancy and Chuck Kriens; his grandchildren, Chanel Crider, Christie Wallace, Jake Cheney, Carlie Richards, Garrett Goodwin, and Tori and Gage Kriens; his great-grandchildren, Cash, Isla, and Caroline Crider, Rayne Monticelli-Richards, and Jackson and Christopher Wallace; his siblings, Sandi Brickert, Richard "Butch" and Connie Richards, and Susie and Nick Kirtz; Janet's siblings, Charlene Heraver and Judy Rodgers; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Larry was a farmer through and through. Even after retiring from American Motors, where he worked for many years as a forklift operator, his heart was always in the fields. He found joy in the simple things—watching crops grow, working the land, and lending a hand whenever it was needed. Retirement didn't slow him down; it simply gave him more time to do what he loved. Larry and Janet spent 16 wonderful years traveling throughout the West, especially enjoying their time in Arizona and Idaho. Each growing season, they happily returned to Illinois, where Larry looked forward to helping his cousin, Dave Richards, on the family farm. They made countless memories setting up camp in their RV on the Richards farm, or at Butch and Connie's, enjoying the simple pleasures of country life and treasured time with family. Larry enjoyed hunting, swapping stories with friends, and could always be counted on to offer a helping hand. He believed in hard work and taking care of the people he loved. While he wasn't one to seek the spotlight, his steady presence, quiet strength, and dependable nature made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Later in life, Larry was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration. While the diagnosis came too late to preserve his vision, it opened the door to a different chapter filled with precious family time. Larry and Janet were blessed to spend several years on their son Randy's ranch in Arkansas before moving to Bristol, Wisconsin, where they could be closer to family and receive the medical care Larry needed. There, their daughter Nancy helped Larry and Janet with whatever needs arose. In his final months, Larry made his home with his daughter Shelley and her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. One of his greatest joys was sitting on the back deck, watching the birds, taking in the peaceful view of the lake, and simply enjoying each day surrounded by the love of his family. Above all, Larry's greatest pride was his family. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Larry leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, resilience, and family. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. In Larry's memory, his family encourages everyone to schedule regular comprehensive eye examinations. Early detection of conditions such as wet macular degeneration can help preserve vision and allow others to continue enjoying the moments that matter most. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com. A memorial Service will be held at a later date.