Obituaries

Daniel Alvin Richardson (aka ‘Old Boar’, ‘Dan the Can Man’, ‘Tin Can Dan’, ‘Grumpy’ or ‘Shur-Fine Freddie’ depending upon who you asked) passed on September 27, 2024 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. Prior to that, Dan resided for eleven months at The Legacy at Noel Manor in Verona, where he was welcomed into their memory care community, with the added support of Superiorespite. We are unable to properly articulate our gratitude to everyone’s dedication to making Dan’s stay as comfortable as possible over the past year.

The ‘Old Boar’, Dan’s preferred nickname, was born March 5, 1954 to Joe & Erma (Handel) Richardson. He was the youngest of four. Brother John, sister Marilyn and bother-in-law Larry Baumgartner have passed on. Sister Kathleen and brother-in-law Steven Smith reside in Spokane, WA.

Dan graduated from Verona High School where his involvement in the FFA lead to years of his continued support for the organization. Dan had just participated in his 50th class reunion in 2023, as well. Many of his friendships started in elementary school and were cultivated for over 60 years. Once someone melted his grumpy exterior and took the time to understand the loyal and kindhearted man underneath, they were a friend for life.

Dan drove school/event buses for many years. His physical presence, strength (from farming and pulling rope: Tug of War), sometimes scary disposition and excellent sense of direction made him incredibly efficient at his job. Herman’s Landscaping provided another opportunity where Dan’s driving skills and big burly physique came in handy. Being an early riser also kept him busy with snow removal in the winter months. His gentle nature shown in the spring of 2009 after the recession of 2008. One coworker, with a young family, was not called back to work as there were not enough jobs to go around. Dan swiftly retired so that they could have a chance to support their family.

Once Dan retired, it became possible to dedicate his time to the pursuits he loved. Being a lifetime outdoorsman, Dan enjoyed his time at the Deer Creek Sports & Conservation Club and The Oasis Game Farm. He also enjoyed hunting, sporting clays/trap shooting and fishing in Northern Ontario. Dan enjoyed helping whenever he could, including assisting neighbors with snow shoveling, lending an extra hand to his farming friends and his favorite hobby, collecting aluminum cans. Dan the Can Man spent hours & hours collecting aluminum cans from a variety of locations around Mt Vernon and, a little-known fact, then donated the recycling proceeds to the Mt Vernon 4th of July fireworks fund.

‘Shur-Fine Freddie’, named after his tendency for buying the store brand at Miller & Sons Supermarket, and his incredible resemblance to his grandfather Fred. Dan always enjoyed stocking up on the latest sale items, where he could be found on most Wednesday mornings, since it was also senior discount day! Once he was done shopping, he would deliver some of the sale priced treats to friends & family. On other days, Dan would be seen driving his truck or scooter around Dane County, hoping to find a hidden gem of a lunch spot, getting caught up with his favorite bartenders or just stopping to shoot the breeze with friends. But mostly he just enjoyed the view of the countryside, which kept him grumpy (his happy state) and fulfilled.

While there isn’t enough space here to thoroughly appreciate Dan’s life or acknowledge everyone who made a difference over the years, please join us for a celebration of life on November 3rd from noon until 3:00 P.M. at the Deer Creek Sports & Conservation Club just outside of Mt Vernon (8475 Miller Rd, Verona, WI 53593). We will be honored to have you as we enjoy food, drinks and a whole lotta of your favorite Old Boar stories. Drink chips will also be available for anyone wishing to continue the celebration later at the Mt Vernon Tap, while watching the Packers play at 3:25 P.M.

Memorials will be donated equally between the Deer Creek Sports & Conservation Club and the Mt Vernon 4th of July fireworks. Until we see each other, in the words of the Old Boar, “oink, oink, oink”, which is how he answered our phone calls every time. He will be thoroughly missed!

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Vernona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625