Obituaries
Dean Thomas Richard
March 26, 1958 - February 01, 2025
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Obituary For Dean Thomas Richard
Dean Thomas Richard, age 66, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack while on vacation in the Dominican Republic on February 1, 2025.
Dean was born on March 26, 1958, to Joseph and Leona (Plines) Richard in Iron Mountain, Michigan; the youngest of three children. Dean always looked up to his older brother and sister. Dean grew up in Niagra, Wisconsin and moved with his family to Lodi, California when he was in 7th grade. He graduated from Lodi High in 1976. Dean attended Delta College for one year and returned to Wisconsin in 1977. He worked for his brother at Budget Rent A Car while attending MATC.
Dean met his future wife, Laurie, while she worked at Ella’s Deli. They were married in Madison, WI on July 14, 1979. After they were married, they moved to Milwaukee where Dean worked at Badger Coaches as an Assistant Manager. During that time, he attended Marquette University where he received a degree in Accounting. They moved back to the Madison area and began his career in accounting at Huser & Callahan in Sun Prairie. Dean went on to work at Rowley Schlimgen, Rywall & Texture. Dean was an owner of Drywall Concepts for 25 years, retiring in 2024.
Dean was a very devoted husband and father. He was a scout leader, PTO member, soccer coach, and loved to take the kids camping. He enjoyed working out at the Princeton Club and made many friends there. Dean was an active member of the DeForest Windsor Lions Club. You could see him cooking chicken at their annual 4th of July celebrations every year. His faith was very important to him. Dean was a member of St Peter Church in Madison and currently a member of St Olaf.
Dean loved to travel; his favorite places were anyplace warm. He especially loved Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. He also enjoyed spending time with family, neighbors and playing cards with the guys.
Dean was survived by his wife Laurie; children, Douglas (Tamara), Gregory (Amanda), Krissy (Harry) Talley; grandchildren, Peyten, Presten, Odessa, Olivia, Addison, Elliana, Landon and soon to be grandson Titan; siblings, Gary (Diana), Debbie (Roger) Henry; sister-in-laws, Micki (Russ) Mezera, Jackie (Myles) Bible; brother-in-law, Doug (Jill) Fosnow and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Joseph Richard and Leona (Plines); mother and father-in-law, Myron and Barbara Fosnow, along with numerous aunts, uncles cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association or the DeForest Windsor Lions Club.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson Street, DeForest, WI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Ryan Funeral Home in DeForest and then again at St Olaf Catholic Church on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service. Interment will take place at Highland Memory Garden.
To view and sign this guestbook please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250
Services
Visitation
04:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Visitation
09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Interment
03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Photos & Video
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Tributes
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Alissa Speth sent Dreams From the Heart Bouquet for Dean Thomas Richard - February 19, 2025
Doug, Tami, and family, Our hearts are with you all during this difficult time. Wishing you comfort, peace, and strength in the days ahead. All our love, Alissa, Chris, and Ava
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Christina Deyoe sent Ocean Devotion for Dean Thomas Richard - February 19, 2025
Forever in our thoughts From: Christina, Karen, and Aubrey
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Jackie Bible sent Ocean Breeze Spray for Dean Thomas Richard - February 19, 2025
Forever in our hearts. From: Micki, Russell Mezera Jackie, Myles Bible Doug, Jill Fosnow
Condolences
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February 20, 2025
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
Our hearts go out to you and your beautiful family. Sending prayers 🙏
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February 18, 2025
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.
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February 18, 2025
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
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
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.
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February 15, 2025
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! 😇
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