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Richardson, Dean Allen
STOUGHTON/ MADISON
Dean Allen Richardson of Stoughton and Madison died peacefully at home
on Sunday morning, April 20, 2008, two days before his 65th birthday,
after a noble 13 year battle against cancer. Dean was born in Madison on
April 22, 1943, to Jack and Frances (nee Johnsrude) Richardson. At age
13, he lost his father suddenly, but Jack's love of aviation, mechanics
and model building would stay with Dean throughout his life.
He graduated from Madison West High School in 1961. Within days, he
began his 47 year career at Research Products Corp. in downtown Madison.
He started as a messenger, and was soon on a challenging and rewarding
path which ended in his retirement earlier this month as vice president
of manufacturing.
Dean married his life long love, Wendie Stewart, on June 20, 1964, and
they've shared 43 fulfilling years of love and marriage. They enjoyed
many travels, their home in Door County and their numerous friends and
family. For six years Dean was a U.S. Army Reservist, in 1968, earning
Wisconsin Reservist of the year. He joined Downtown Madison Rotary in
1984, and very much enjoyed being a part of, and serving his community.
Within his lifetime, he served as the president of the board of
directors for the American Cancer Society, was an active participant of
Big Brothers of America, and an officer and board member of the Madison
Club, among many other community activities.
In 1975, Dean bought and restored his first airplane. In 1984, he won
his first award at the E.A.A. AirVenture Oshkosh. He received an award
for each aircraft he owned and restored, except for the one that blew
him out of the cockpit. His latest endeavor, a 1966 Cessna, received the
Charles Lindbergh Grand Champion award in 2005. E.A.A. in Oshkosh was an
organization that gave him the opportunity to be a part of the aviation
community. Starting his service to E.A.A.'s Vintage Aircraft Association
Board as an advisor in 1990, he became a director in 1994. Dean also
served as a classic judge for the past 14 years; he was the chief
classic judge and was on the National E.A.A. Judging Standards
Committee.
Dean enjoyed so many hobbies and activities, some of his favorites were
Badgers and Packers football, classic cars and boats, and hunting. Dean
is lovingly survived by wife, Wendie; his two children, Stewart of
Albuquerque, N.M. and Erin of Madison; and his dog, Gus; his sister,
Nancy (Jack) Foerst; and his mother, Frances, now 95, who still resides
in the home where Dean was born. He was a wonderful husband, father and
friend. His strength, courage and humor got him through the challenges
of his illness. We have been blessed by him, learned from him and will
always miss him. His life has been a beautiful flight. A memorial
service will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2008, at 11 a.m. at MOUNT OLIVE
LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4018 Mineral Point Road, Madison, with the Rev. Robert
Degner officiating. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until
the time of services at the church. Interment will be private.
Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 206 W. Prospect Ave.
Stoughton (608) 873-9244 www.cressfuneralservice.com |