Obituaries

Condolences

• February 25, 2025

  Danny Steeno

  Sorry for your loss 🙏 I remember Dean riding his tricycle up and down the sidewalk on Main Street.

• February 24, 2025

  Gary Richard

  My brother Dean was a mistake. I know this because our mom told me so. It was late summer 1963 or 1964. I was in the kitchen helping her unpack groceries. We were talking about family. Mom was reminiscing about how cold it was in January of 1947 when I was born, and how nice it was in May of 1952 when my sister, Debbie was born. Then, out of the blue she said, "Your brother Dean was our little surprise." Mom said that because she and dad had already had been blessed with two perfect kids, a boy and a girl. One of each. It was time to stop. So when Dean showed up, it WAS a mistake. But he was the best mistake my parents ever made. Mom said that the five year spacing between Debbie and me was intended to allow each of us to enjoy our share of attention. But after having me, I think my parents just needed a break! As the first born, I enjoyed a lot of perks. Even though my parents were on a tight budget, they set me up in a little room just off the kitchen, fully stocked with baby things. I had a brand new crib, stuffed toys, and even a fancy "bathanet"; which was like a folding cot where you could bathe and change a baby right there in the nursery. Five years later, Debbie came along. As the first girl, she also got the royal treatment. By the time Dean showed up six years later, the novelty had worn off. There was no well equipped nursery, and no fancy bathanet. Dean got "hand me down" toys and clothes. He slept in a crib in my parents' room. He was bathed in the kitchen sink and changed on the kitchen table. They say that even twins raised under the same conditions still have distinct personalities. That was the case with us kids. Mom said that I was a day dreamer, imaginative and creative, but unwilling to apply myself. Debbie was smart, hardworking and stubborn. When mom and Debbie got into a tiff, mom would say, "You're bullheaded, just like your father!" Dean, on the other hand, was just sweet. Mom said his birth was easy, and that he was the least demanding baby of the three of us. I think that mom and dad had learned from their mistakes with Debbie and me, and that Dean's personality was the product of experienced parenting as much as anything else. Whatever the reason, Dean was a great kid. There WAS quite an age gap between us kids. When I was in high school, Debbie was in grade school and Dean was just starting Kindergarten. He was definitely my "little brother". He would follow me around, bugging me with questions or trying to tell me about something that he had done that day. He'd do anything to get my attention. If I came out of my clound of teenage self-absorption long enough to acknowledge his existence, he would light up like a Christmas tree. I was his awesome "big brother" We had a huge family cat named Nippy. When Debbie was little, she used to try to dress him up in doll clothes. The cat didn't appreciate this, and Debbie quickly learned how "Nippy" got his name. My sister was a smart kid, and it didn't take her long to figure out that, unlike the cat, Dean wouldn't bite or scratch if she tried to dress him up. I can still see my little brother staggering around the house wearing Dad's snow boots, my mom's fur stole, and a pill box hat with a viel. I have a home movie clip of him wrapped from head to foot in several of mom's scarves because Debbie wanted to dress him up to look like an Arab Sheik for a play she and her friend Lisa were staging in the basement. A lot happened in the next few years. I left for college, I met and married my lovely wife, Diana and moved to Madison to finish school. Dad suffered a major heart attack and had to retire early. In 1970 my parents sold the house in Niagara and moved the family to my mother's hometown in California. Debbie, who had finished high school in Niagara was off to college shortly after they got out west. Dean lived with mom and dad in a two bedroom apartment on the edge of town. Moving from a small village in Northern Wisconsin to California must have been quite a shocker for my 12 year old brother. But he adjusted quickly. He made new friends, got decent grades, and had a part-time job in high school. Somewhere in the mid-seventies, Dean took a growth spurt. Diana and I would try to visit the family in California at least once a year. On one of those visits Dean and I were horsing around on the patio when he just picked me up and dropped me onto a lawn chair. That's when I realized that my little brother wasn't so little anymore. In 1976 Dean graduated from High School without any definite plans for the future. Debbie had studied Biology and Medical Technology in college, and this may have influenced Dean to study Electron Microscopy at Delta Community College. It took him about a year to realize that he wasn't that keen on looking at little things through a big microscope. That's when he gave me a call and asked me for a job. (A quick diversion here to explain what I was doing back in Wisconsin since the family left for California) In 1970, I graduated from the UW and followed one of the many career paths available to someone with a degree in art education. I got a job at a car rental agency. Seven years later, I was co-owner of a Budget Rent a Car franchise in Madison when I got the call from Dean. He wanted to move back to Wisconsin and work for me while he tried to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. It turns out that Dean's decision to come to Madison would have a major impact on all of us. For the first time since Dean was a little kid, I got to spend time with him on a daily basis. He had grown into a fine young man and our 11 year age gap seemed a lot smaller. He was a hard worker. Budget was open seven days a week and Dean never minded working weekends or staying late because of flight delays at the airport. As the rookie, Dean was the one who had to pick up lunch everyday. That's how he met Laurie who worked at Ella's Deli, one of our favorite restaurants. The rest is history. Dean and Laurie got married and moved to Milwaukee where they started their family while Dean studied Accounting at Marquette University. After he graduated, they moved back to Madison where Dean got a job for a local accounting firm. This ultimately led to his entry into the construction business. Through hard work and determination Dean made his company one of the most highly regarded drywall and painting contractors in the Madison area. Dean and Laurie raised three great kids who have blessed them with wonderful grandchildren. The latest of which is due this April. Dean was a devout Catholic and a tireless community volunteer. He was a good husband, a good father and a good grandfather. My brother was a good man. In recent years Dean and I didn't see each other that often. But whenever we'd text or call we'd jokingly refer to each other as "big brother" and "little brother". This past December I got a text from Dean. "Hey big brother, Laurie and I would like to get together with you and Diana for dinner before Christmas." "Sounds good little brother. Just say where and when." We met for dinner at a place in Monona because it was about half way between Fitchburg and Deforest. It was a nice visit. We caught up on things going on in our respective families. I told Dean about a garden project I was planning for this summer. He told me about their upcoming trip to Punta Cana. When the dinner was over we all hugged each other in the parking lot. Dean said, "Try to stay warm. I Love you big brother." And I said, "Enjoy your vacation. I Love you little brother." Those were our last words to each other. How perfect is that? No further words are necessary, but I want to say it one last time... I Love you little brother.

• February 23, 2025

  Kathryn Disch

  Looking forward to warmer weather having Dean & Laurie back at he library practicing. Qi Gong standing behind me this spring. Heard from a friend Dean's funeral was February 21st. Sympathies from Kathryn. Miss you at pratice.

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  February 21, 2025

  Cory Lensing

  Always enjoyed playing cards with Dean and when Laurie and Dean let me play guitar at one of their neighborhood parties they hosted, and appreciate all the times he helped my parents out , - You'll be missed by all of us, Cory Lensing

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  February 21, 2025

  Marg Simkowski

  Laurie, I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  February 20, 2025

  Chuck Osley

  So stunned and sad. Nancy and Chuck Osley

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  February 20, 2025

  Nancy M Odell

  Dear Laurie and family, We were so sad to hear about Dean from Robyn. It brought back fond memories of the Blue Diamonds girls soccer team. Dean was so patient, skilled and kind with that band of middle schoolers. He built a fun and successful experience for both parents and kids. Robyn said she remains grateful for both of your generosity and support for her friendship with Krissy during that time. May you be surrounded by love and comfort and know that Dean and all your family hold special places in our hearts. Nancy Odell, Jon Vinje and Robyn Vinje

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  February 19, 2025

  Gary and Sandra Sahagian and family

  Our hearts go out to you and your beautiful family. Sending prayers 🙏

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  February 18, 2025

  Fernando Acevedo

  Dean was a great guy, I worked for him for many years at Drywall Concepts. He was always there to listen and I had the pleasure of sharing many moments with him. Very sad to hear about his passing, my condolences to his family.

• February 18, 2025

  Julie

  Laurie, I am sorry for your loss. Your husband's passing was brought to my attention by a mutual friend because the same thing happened to me in 2006 - my husband of 21 years died suddenly of undetected heart disease in Hawaii. This is a message of comfort and hope that there is light on the other side of loss. My experience showed we all have more friends and faith than one could imagine. I pray that you find healing and get to experience the beautiful life God has in store for each of us . It does get better

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  February 16, 2025

  Dalon Blackwell

  I am stunned to hear this sad news. Dean was definitely one of the best guys I came across and I remember him being a scout leader when I was in Cub Scouts and when I was st his house visiting his son, Doug, to hang out. God definitely gain an angel in heaven. May God bless the Richard family.

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  February 15, 2025

  Linda Richard

  I knew my cousin best when we were younger and my folks drove us to Niagara, Wisconsin from Ohio every summer. Then we grew up and lived too far apart to visit often, but thank God for Facebook and texts. I could watch my baby cousin grow up into a handsome man and loving father. I was able to watch his family grow up due to the many pictures he would send in a Christmas card or put on Facebook. The last picture I saw from Dean on Facebook was a picture of the pool and trees from his room in the Dominican Republic. He sure loved warm places. Laurie my heart goes out to you. All the heartache you and your family had to endure. I am so glad Dean is home. My thoughts and prayers are always with you and family. Please take care and keep in touch.

• February 15, 2025

  Vicki treinen

  Dean I'm so sorry we will be on vacation during your funeral. We both still can't believe what happened when you and Laurie were in paradise! I know you love tropical weather when we suffer with winter in Wisconsin. We had so much fun with you after graduation and you were always the life of the party ! Such great memories and I cant imagine how your kids and Grandkids will miss you so much. You always had a beautiful smile for everyone! I will miss that at communion at St Olafs. Laurie know if you need anything or just want to talk I'm here for you. He will be so missed by so many people! 😇