Joshua Anthony Richards

Joshua "Josh" Anthony Richards, 12, passed away Thursday October 9, 2014, at Ministry St Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield. Josh was born at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau on March 6, 2002 and was a 7th grader at DC Everest Middle School. Josh loved animals, the outdoors, computers, swimming, cooking and anything with four wheels that he could drive, dismantle or fix. He was active in the Boy Scouts and band. Creative and imaginative, Josh was also independent and fearless, and had a never-ending curiosity and inquisitiveness about the world around him. He never cared what others thought about him, and he never let the opinions of others stop him from doing what he wanted. Josh was a precious gift to his family, and his smile, laughter and sensitive, gentle and caring spirit will be deeply missed. Josh's last, lasting gift was as an organ donor which will hopefully help many families enjoy long, healthy lives together. Survivors include his parents, Charles Edward Richards and Debra Ann (Wagner) Richards, siblings Jessica Marie Richards and Maxwell Edward Richards, and much-adored pets Snoopy and Chase. He is also survived by his paternal Great Grandmother Katie (Reuter) Vander Leest, paternal grandparents James Francis Richards and Kay Germaine (Vander Leest) Richards, maternal grandmother Carol Diane (Weller) Wagner, and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Noon Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Allan L. Slowiak will preside. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Weston. Friends may call on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established in Josh's name. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com