Richard DeRungs

MONONA/MADISON-Richard “Dick” DeRungs, age 58, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at St. Mary’s Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on June 5, 1954, in Watertown, S.D., to Alphonse J. and Dorothy E. (Beck) DeRungs. Dick was the youngest of five brothers and older brother to two sisters. He grew up in Monona and graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1972. During his high school career, Dick enjoyed participating in sports, music, and art. His passion for athletics was evident later in life as he was an avid sports fan. Dick continued to participate in a volleyball league where his serve was feared by his opponents. Throughout his life, he continued creating art including a commission from the Weisman Center. For those lucky enough to have purchased Richard’s work, it is his family’s hope that you enjoy it as much as he enjoyed creating it. Dick continued to play guitar and sing throughout his life. He especially enjoyed playing and singing with others. Richard loved his family and got joy from spending time with his nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his astonishing memory, and despite all obstacles, his ability to love life. Dick is survived by his mother, Dorothy; siblings, John A. DeRungs of South Dakota, Thomas D. (Sue Alberti) DeRungs of Delafield, David A. (Michelle) DeRungs of Milton, DeAnn (Gary Anderson) Schaefer of McFarland, and LeAnn DeRungs of Oregon; nieces and nephews, Megan (Jason Peterson) DeRungs, Matthew (Jamie) DeRungs, Garrett and Madeline Schaefer, Karisa and Sara DeRungs, and Michael and Jillian DeRungs; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father; brother, Joseph T. DeRungs; grandparents; and brother-in-law, Steven R. Schaefer. A Memorial Mass for Richard will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Private family interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Mary’s who have cared for Dick over the last few months and everyone at the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) who supported and befriended him over the last 40 years. Memorials may be directed to the PACT, 600 Williamson Street, Suite AB, c/o PACT Madison, WI 53703, to help finance a special event in Dick’s honor. On-line condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Cemetery: Private family interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Memorials may be directed to the PACT, 600 Williamson Street, Suite AB, c/o PACT Madison, WI 53703, to help finance a special event in Dick’s honor. A Memorial Mass for Richard will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2013.