Obituary of Verlin J. Richert

Verlin J. Richert, 71, of Assaria, Kansas left his family too soon on Saturday morning, August 13, 2022, after losing his battle with Dementia, surrounded by the love of his family. Verlin was born on September 9, 1950 in Goessel, Kansas, the son of Orville and Delores (Jantz) Richert. He was raised and received his education in Durham, Kansas, and graduated from Durham High School in 1968. Verlin left the family farm to attend Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kansas receiving an Associates Degree in Business. Verlin met the love of his life Edna L. Berens and they were united in marriage on June 10, 1972, in Durham, Kansas. They made their home in Salina, Kansas for six years. Verlin and Edna welcomed their son, Preston, in 1974, and their daughter, Pamela, in 1976. Shortly after their children were born, they built a home in Assaria, Kansas where he resided until his passing. Verlin began his working career at International Harvester after graduating from Brown Mackie College. He then worked for Exide Battery until gaining employment at Forever Oak in Salina, Kansas. This is where he combined his love for wood furniture and craftsmanship and his gift of never knowing a stranger. Verlin opened his own furniture store, Oak Treasures, in Wichita, Kansas. After closing his store, Verlin retired from Sam’s Club in 2018. Verlin was an active member of his community and Assaria Lutheran Church. In his younger years, he was a member of the Assaria Jaycees. He was a 4H project leader in woodworking and assisted in judging projects for many years. He served as an Assaria City Council member for 8 years, maintained the Assaria Community Building, and also helped with the Assaria Community Garden. In his free time, Verlin enjoyed woodworking and carving and always looked forward to traveling with Edna and extended family. Whether it be by bus or cruise ship, Verlin and Edna cherished the time they had together to enjoy new experiences and see new places. Verlin had such a big heart and his family meant everything to him. He spent his time attending his childrens’ activities, assisted them with 4H fair projects, and lent a helping hand to anyone who was in need. Verlin adored his seven grandchildren and made time to build projects with each. He also traveled all over the state to attend their activities, or just spend time with them. Verlin is survived by his wife Edna Richert of the home; son Preston M. Richert (Camille) of Winfield; daughter Pamela M. Hamlin (Chad) of Hugoton; sisters Krystal Jensen of McPherson, Annette Goering (Randy) of Great Bend; brother Bentley Richert (Connie) of Buhler; a very special aunt Lillian Peters (Joe) of North Newton; grandchildren Rozlynn Richert, Rhyanna Richert, Rheegyn Richert, Rylan Richert, Mitchell Hamlin, McKenna Hamlin, and Mikyn Hamlin; and many nieces and nephews. Verlin was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Delores Richert; paternal grandparents Peter and Linda (Jantz) Richert and maternal grandparents Benjamin and Alma (Johnson) Jantz. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 19, at Crick-Christians Funeral Home, Lindsborg. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 20, at the Assaria Lutheran Church, Assaria, with Pastor Dean Apel officiating. Burial will follow in Assaria Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Assaria Lutheran Church Sanctuary Fund or to the Salina Alzheimer’s Support and Education Group. Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.