Madalyn L. Richmann

Madalyn L. Richmann passed peacefully at her home June 19, 2024, after family and friends all paid their respects. She was predeceased by husband Jim, son John, sister Marilyn, and nephew Mark. Surviving family includes daughters Barb (Darryl) and Paige (Brad), son Paul (Janet), and her favorite niece, Sarah. She leaves behind 6 grateful grandchildren: Estevan (Kristen), Dante, Reed (Travis), Blair (Tyler), Michael, and David, plus 5 great-grandchildren: Cosmo, Mason, Griffin, Truitt, and Kallan.

Nani was born in the kitchen of the Hi and Bue Vanderlip Family Farm in Dows, Iowa. Farm livin’ wasn’t quite the life for her so she attended the University of Iowa and graduated with an English major. She met Jim on campus and they married following graduation. She taught at Montessori schools, but eventually family desires preceded career aspirations and she raised 4 children whom she loved above all else. They were the source of her greatest pride. She was a natural educator and caregiver, ultimately helping all her offspring raise families of their own. She encouraged her charges to be intellectually curious, serve others, and use proper grammar- and we figure 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. 

Nani found little joy in cooking but consumers extolled the virtues of her legendary chili. Her life was defined by nurturing and encouraging others, so her family was honored to reciprocate in her final months for a lifetime of caregiving. 

“I will look after you. I will look after anybody you say needs to be looked after, any way you say.”

-  Maya Angelou

Services in Iowa will be private.