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 now 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 now 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 now 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, now 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 now 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 now the chief classic judge and now 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 now born. He now 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