Michael Eric Richardson, Eric, age 55, left this world on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital in Burlington, CO. He was born November 3, 1969 in Burlington, CO. to William Richardson & Sandra Peters, he was the youngest of three children.
Eric spent his entire life in Burlington, attended the Burlington School District with the class of 1988, where he built many lifelong friendships. He was a multi-sport athlete but wrestling was his passion. High school is where he also met his life long sweetheart. After high school graduation he attended Goodland Vo-tech where he learned the trade of carpentry. On June 29, 1991 Eric married his high school sweetheart Kristine Thiede. They purchased their first home, a 12x38 trailer, which they had to finance.
Eric started his own business in the spring of 1995, when he borrowed $75 dollars from his Grandma Peters to purchase a wheelbarrow which was the start of Richardson Construction. This was the start of many projects and relationships that he built throughout the surrounding communities. Projects included banks, churches, community buildings, homes and businesses. Eric Richardson Construction was a major business that employed many people.
Eric and Kristine welcomed their first child, Mitchell, on April 18, 1996. Two years after, Justine made her appearance on November 2, 1998. Justine prayed for a little sibling even though she was told that there would not be another child. Justine’s prayer was answered July 2, 2004 when Garrett joined the family.
Although the business was very demanding, Eric had his priorities in order. Family and friends always came first. From RV trips, fishing and hunting, to sporting events not only for his kids, but for nieces and nephew’s events too. He made many priceless memories for all involved.
One of his favorite vacation memories was from a trip that they took in the summer of 2009 in the RV. The vacation started with Kristine requesting Sonic, so off to Goodland they went. Then he handed the kids the map and said choose our next destination…through it all they ended up in St. Louis at the Arch.
Eric enjoyed sports of all kinds. He coached his boys in youth sports, and middle school wrestling and attended every sporting event they had. He was also the biggest fan for all of his nieces and nephews. Many miles were logged following them through high school and college sports. He also loved his Bronco tailgates where he would cook for an army. Eric was a master chef.
The last few years during his illness he was lovingly cared for in his home by his wife and family. Eric will be missed by all and remembered by his family and friends as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and great friend.
Eric leaves behind his wife, Kristine Richardson, Burlington, CO., his children, Mitchell (Shalynn) children Nova and Easton Eric, Burlington, CO., Justine (Anthony) Fecht, Wray, CO., Garrett Richardson, Burlington, CO. His father, William (Shauna) Richardson, Burlington, CO. His brother Delbert Richardson, Ellicott, CO., child Shane Richardson and his sister Kim Richardson. Sister-in-law Charlayne (Thiede) Bancroft and Jay of Vona, CO., children Kyle (Autumn) and children Jackson and Archie of Burlington, CO., Naomi (fiancé Kelly) of Stratton, CO. Sister-in-law Paulette (Thiede) Thompson and Rod, Stratton, CO., children Trey (Shelby) son Tyce, Stratton, CO., Trevor (Abigail) daughter Olivia, Wray, CO., and Torrie of Plano, TX. Sister-in-law Evone (Thiede) Waggoner and Gregg, Quinter, KS., children Toby (Meredith) Waggoner and children Tucker and Owen, Oakley, KS., Tyler (Kayla) children Pozzi and Penelope, Quinter, KS., and Tanner (Kaitlyn), Collyer, KS. Brother-in-law Glen Thiede and Sheryl, Midas, NV., children Dusty (fiancé Megan) Golconda, NV., Paige (Colton) Vega, children Wesley and Dallas, Golconda, NV., and Sierra (Bobby) Kester and daughter Amelia of Battle Mountain, NV. Sister-in-law Debra (Thiede) Hill and Danny, children Justin, Joseph and daughter Malaya, Casey (fiancé William) and son William III, Trenton, Ashton and son Clayton, Michaelle and son Hudson, Janette, and Britney of Winnemucca, NV. Nephew John (Kalesha) Thiede V and daughter Delilah, Hays, KS. Nephew Cody (Anna) Thiede children Lauraine and Scarlett, Hays, KS., and Tiffanie (Nathan) Rohr and daughter Ellie, Hays, KS.
Eric was preceded in death by his mother Sandra (Peters) Lord, Grandparents William G. and Mildred (Ferrier) Peters, and Delbert and Inez (Fairbanks) Richardson (Long), Father-in-law John F.W. Thiede Jr, Mother-in-law Darleen (Witter) Thiede, Brother-in-law Justin Thiede, Sister-in-law Kim Thiede, Brother-in-law John W Thiede IV, Sister-in-law Cassie (Miller) Thiede, Brother-in-law Walter Thiede, Nephews Justin Jr. (Jay) Thiede, Trinidy Thiede, Evan Bancroft and niece Dallas Thiede.
Funeral services were held on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Burlington with Pastor Dennis Cherrington officiating. Burial was held in the Smit Cemetery, Vona, CO.
Visitation was held on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Memorial contributions may be made out to the Burlington Cougar Club and mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Funeral services were under the direction of Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland, KS.