Madison - Minerva “Mickie” Richards, age 72, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at UW Hospital and Clinics. She was born on June 21, 1953, in Edgerton, the daughter of Lester and Melinda (Lean) Richards.

Mickie graduated from Edgerton High School in 1970 and attended MATC. She served in the U.S. Navy as a medic from 1970 until 1974. Mickie worked at General Motors for 32 years. She went on to work as an LPN for many years and loved to help and care for her residents.

She married Gail Gaustad on July 27, 2019 in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Mickie was an avid fisherwoman and enjoyed participating in Fishing Has No Boundaries. She loved anything outdoors. Mickie was a passionate golfer, loved reading and enjoyed seeing sights in the United States and Canada when traveling with her motorhome.

Mickie is survived by her wife, Gail; daughter, Marcie Pugh; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her previous partner, Gretta Pugh; parents; and brother, Jim Richards.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shelter from the Storm Animal Rescue or to the St. Stephen's Church Food Pantry, Monona.

The family wishes to thank Pam McCarty, Cheri Awtrey, Lori Hauschild and John Roidt, Rebecca Suda, Terry and Elaine Smith, Denny Reyes, Lindsey Gaustad, Tami Buckholz and Jonna Gaustad Leighton, Tudy Gaustad, The Landing Campground family, Deb Boushea, Dr. Molly Cole, Dr. Brianna Jelnek and the Union Corners Internal Medicine Staff for all of their wonderful care and support given to Mickie and her family. They would also like to thank her GM and Oak Park family, Madison EMS for their incredible effort and support.

“Mickie’s gone fishing AND golfing.”

Vote Blue!!

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Minerva "Mickie" Richards

June 21, 1953 - July 02, 2025

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