Richard Mitchell Story

Story, Richard M. “Dick” MADISON-Richard “Dick” M. Story passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. He was born on Sept. 11, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois. Richard proudly served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. He was discharged in 1968. Then, he attended the University of Wisconsin, earning a BS in Agricultural Engineering in 1971. He and a partner opened the popular Crystal Corner Bar in Madison in 1974, and have been in business ever since, even surviving a fire in 1988. A few years later, he opened Burke Station, a favorite hangout for locals and many in the Madison Area for over 25 years. In 1976, he began a career with the State of Wisconsin as civil engineer that lasted 28 years until he retired in 2004. He was the Arch Bastard for the OB’s. He was an active member of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, serving as the Second District Director for the State Board and locally as Vice President of the Dane County Tavern League. He was an advocate of the Tavern League’s “Saferider” program, providing free cab rides home for patrons in Dane County and spreading the program to other counties across the state. After retirement, he and the love of his life, Bonnie, traveled the world together visiting every habitable continent except Africa over the last 8 years. Many will remember Dick as Wisconsin Badger’s #1 Fan. He attended every home and away game for over 40 years, save one game vs the Golden Gophers when he was piloting his 4-seater plane and the engine died en route to the game. He was dedicated enough to travel as far as Tokyo Japan 1993 to watch his beloved Badgers play. He proudly wore his specialty robes and hats to games, displaying his game tickets and game day pins from all the seasons. He cheered on the Badgers with Bucky during the good and bad (many bad) seasons, always loyal, always happy, and enjoying the 5th Quarter antics with the UW Marching band almost as much as he enjoyed tailgating for the game. For many years, he also held season tickets to the UW Hockey games, displaying the same zeal and love for all things Badger. He was a super-fan of the UW Marching Band. For three decades he has attended the UW Marching Band Concert in the spring closing the athletic season with them. For most of the last 20 years, he has had his own special seats in the front row to show his support with his family and friends. Nothing could make him quite as happy as his love for UW Football and the UW Band. Richard’s zest for life and philosophy to live each moment to its fullest will live on in all of our hearts and in our memory of him. Many have been on the receiving end of his endless generosity. He had a big heart and love of life. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, and also from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Paul Mitchell ;and his mother Olive Mitchell. He will be missed greatly by his loving wife, Bonnie Story; daughter, Heather (Chris) Mees; son, Joshua Torre; and grandchildren, Wyatt, Violet, Stanley, and Veronica. Uncle Dick thanks you, Fred and Ann Kasten, for a lifetime of friendship. On Wisconsin! Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, and also from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Funeral services for Richard will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013.