Jean (Caldwell) RICHMANN of Des Moines, Washington formerly of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas and Northbrook, Illinois died peacefully, May 7, after a short illness at age 98. She was an endearing and enduring source of optimism, spirituality, humor and wisdom to all who knew her. Beloved wife of 39 years to Charles (Chuck) A. Richmann (deceased January 20, 1985). She is preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Bess Caldwell; two sisters, Mina Ruth Brown and Joan E. Perry (on April 30, 2020); a brother, Eddie C. Caldwell and a great-grandson, Patrick Palin. Jean was born April 9, 1922, the second of four children, on Walnut Ridge Farm in Perry, MO. After attending the one-room Piddletown Grade School, Jean graduated from Perry High School and then went on to graduate from both William Woods College in Fulton, MO and the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. Every summer, Jean worked at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia where her well known father; a five times elected Missouri State Representative, Speaker Pro Tem of the 60th Missouri General Assembly and state Senator; was an auctioneer and ringmaster of the American Royal Horse Show. Jean’s life took an adventurous new turn in 1946 when she left her childhood home in the country to marry her north star, Major Charles A. Richmann, in Elgin, Ill, where they initially lived. She and Chuck moved to Norwood Park, Illinois and later to Northbrook, Ill where they raised a family of four children in the post-war urban environment of suburban Chicago. During this time, she worked as a second-grade teacher at the Meadowbrook School in Northbrook, Ill. Jean was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, where she served in various capacities including Deacon, Elder and Trustee. She was also a lifelong member of the PEO, a philanthropic organization for the advancement of women. Jean and Chuck sold their house in Northbrook and summer cabin in Wisconsin in 1978 and retired to a new home they built in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. Jean remained in Arkansas after Chuck passed away in 1985. Always persevering, she studied and passed training to become an EMT and regularly participated in day and night ambulance runs. In 1994, Jean moved to Des Moines, WA to be closer to her daughter. In 1999, Jean moved to Wesley Des Moines, a retirement community in Des Moines, WA where she remained for over 20 years until her death. Once again, a dauntless spirit, Jean affected many lives there; a friend to many, a participant in all things, a counsel to those who despaired. She was a reliable constant within an ever-changing community. Jean’s family will forever be thankful for the kind and compassionate care she received while staying there. She is survived by her four children: Nancy Carter (Mike) of Buckley, WA; John Richmann of Sleepy Hollow, Ill; David Richmann (Mary) of Stoughton, MA, Thomas Richmann (Stephanie) of Pleasanton, CA; and sister-in-law Marge Caldwell of Mexico, MO. Jean is also survived by six grandchildren: Charles Field, Sarah Palin (Bill), Allison Holleman (Preston), Kristina Lazarakis (Michael), John Richmann, Andrew Richmann; and four great-grandchildren; Christopher, Lyla, Myles and Mia.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later time. In the meantime, the family invites you to share your memories of Jean. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Jean’s memory to: The Patrick Palin Foundation at www.thepatrickpalinfoundation.org
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