Donna M. Richards

Due to the weather, the Visitation for Donna Richards scheduled for today (12/28) at St. Joseph's Catholic Church is cancelled.  Mass of Christian Burial will still be held as scheduled on Monday, December 29 at 11am.  

Donna Marie Richards, 88, Fargo, ND, died Thursday, December 18, 2025, at SMP Health-St. Catherine’s South, Fargo under the care of Sanford Hospice.

Donna Marie Adsero was born December 8, 1937, in Moorhead, MN, to Melvin and Lillian (Valan) Adsero. She was raised in Moorhead where she attended school, except for the fifth grade when she went to school in Rustad, MN, as she was living at her Grandpa, M.O. Valan’s, farm. She loved the farm and would call it her “home away from home.”

Donna attended Moorhead High School and worked at the Moorhead Dime Store and Cox Bakery while in school. She graduated in 1955 and worked for two years at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. While in high school, Donna met the love of her life, Leonard Richards, and they were married on February 16, 1957, in Moorhead. Following their marriage, they farmed with Leonard’s father and then his brother and sons until the time of Leonard’s death.

Leonard died on March 16, 1994, 40 years from his and Donna’s first date.

Donna was active in many church, school and community activities. She volunteered for Sanford, The Sons of Norway, taught piano for 26 years and sang in the St. Joseph’s Choir. Donna enjoyed attending the many sporting events of her children and grandchildren as well as watching the Minnesota Vikings and NDSU Bison. She attended five NDSU football championship games in Frisco, TX.

Spending time at Lake Melissa was a favorite as many of her neighbors at the lake were former Moorhead High families and close Argusville friends. There were many marshmallow roasts, Craig’s fireworks displays, company stopping by, and numerous memories were a joy. The sunsets were so spectacular! Donna also enjoyed many special times gathering with her 1955 classmates for monthly get-togethers, their 80th birthday party at her lake home and most recently their 70th High School Reunion. Many memories were made! Go Spuds!

Donna is survived by her children, Karen (Sean) Dullea, James Richards, Loren (Alice) Richards, Craig Richards, Susie (Bill) Carlson, and Marie (D.C.) Lucas; grandchildren, Jaime (Robert) Lester, Cheryl Foxworth, Jordan (Kylie) Richards, Blake (fiancé, Alexis Altmaier) Richards, Jade Richards, Jenna Richards, Erin McDonald, Brandon McDonald, Emma Lucas and Ellie Lucas; bonus grandchildren, Kelsey (Justin) Morrison, Craig (Lauren) Carlson, and Seth (Ashley) Carlson; great-grandchildren, Samuel, Michael, Sarah, Ethan, Lance and a baby boy due in March; bonus great-grandchildren, Chase, Jack, Tuni, Alden and Etta; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and sister-in-law.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; her parents; infant brothers, baby boy Adsero and Donald James; brothers, Vernon and Marshall; a godson, Aaron Lee; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

The family would like to thank Sanford Health, PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fargo, Edgewood Fargo, Sanford Hospice, SMP Health-St. Catherine’s South, Fargo, for the wonderful care they provided Mom.

In lieu of flowers, Donna requested that you donate to your favorite charity, the Leonard R. Richards Endowment for Cancer Research at Sanford Health Foundation, Fargo, or the milk program at Northern Cass School, Hunter, ND.

The Visitation for Donna will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 1 to 3 PM, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, with a Prayer Service at 3 PM.

The Funeral will be on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 11 AM, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Burial will be in Wild Rose Cemetery, Georgetown, MN.