TOPEKA, Kan. – Dee Ilene Richman, 80, Topeka, Kan., passed away Sunday, July 19, 2020. She was born March 1, 1940, in Topeka, the daughter of Clarence and Nettie (Gifford) Helstorm.
On Sept., 4, 1955, she married Norman “Cowboy” Richman at the chapel on Forbes Field. She was a dedicated military wife while Cowboy was deployed in war with the Air Force.
After the death of her father, she took over Helstorm House Movers. She moved historic land pieces in Kansas, including the Menninger Chapel and the Fleming Mansion. She was a member of Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 2709.
Dee was the matriarch of the family and the glue that held everyone together. There wasn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for anyone. She never met a stranger. Her family brought her so much joy. She loved them with her whole being.
Survivors include her son, Norman Harold Richman Jr.; daughter, Sherry Poling; grandchildren, Brittany Richman-Neilson (Kyle), Dalton Cox, and Jordan Poling; and great-grandchildren, Aubrey Kay Richman and Briar Kaylynn Neilson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman “Cowboy” Richman; parents, Clarence and Nettie Helstorm; brother, Buddy May; sister, Roberta Louise Couey; and daughter-in-law, Janice Richman.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at Topeka Baptist Church, 4500 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, with burial to follow at Union Cemetery, Osage County, Kansas. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka.
