Richard Lee Cowan

My big brother......I will miss you. Dickie (as he was always affectionately called by family) raised my brother Lynn, sister Susan and I when he should have been doing the things that nine year old boys do. He grew up fast and joined the army. Dickie served in Vietnam and continued his service for thirteen years until he transferred to the navy and finished his career. As soon as he retired he moved to Okee, WI, where he had spent his summers as a boy with his cousins, Paul, Sheri. Bobby and Roy Rapp. My Aunt Doris and Uncle Bill had their hands full keeping up with them as they were always getting into mischief. Our grandparents, Lloyd and Ethel Cowan, ran the general store in Okee where it sits today. Although it is nothing today like it was in the early 60's during that time it was the gathering place for many children that came to Okee for their summer vacations. I have many memories of my big brother. I guess the important ones were when I remember how he was strapped with two little kids (my sister and I) when he was in the dating years and had to drag us around like an old ball and chain. Dickie got to retire to a place he enjoyed the best. He lived his life out in Harmony Grove and loved the area as much as we all do. I know there is a God and I know there is a Heaven and I believe that God rests our souls in a place he knows we belong. Surely, God has made a place in heaven just like the area Dickie lived in and enjoyed. I love you brother. Tell Mom and Dad hello and give Jake and pat on the head and let him know I will be there soon. Love, Terry

My sincerest condolences and sympathy to Darlene and her children and grandchildren. May HE who is the most high grant you peace where you find none, give you comfort in your pain and a strong show of support in your grief and weakness. May HIS light and your family surround you, support you and care for you during this most painful time. ~~Sheila & Ted

Tis a sad, sad time, and certainly a loss that cannot be filled. Dickie was just a heck of good guy, full of humor when ever I talked to him on the phone or was lucky enough to run into him somewhere. Gods speed Dickie, you've earned your rest and place in heaven

There's no one like a big brother! Terry has said all of what I feel - Dickie Lee was the best - I remember, too, how if he wanted to go on a date, he most likely took us along as well. I remember seeing "The Day of the Triffids" at the old drive in theater with him - us little kids were in the front seat, he and his girlfriend were in the backseat. Little did we know what that might have meant, we were just so glad to be scared by those old "B" horror movies. I remember those years in the service - especially Vietnam. I am so proud of my brother - he served in a war (yes, war) that was not recognized, and did service out of love and for his country. He loved patriotic shirts, hats, mugs, anything that reminded him of his country. He and Darlene enjoyed visiting the wonderful gift shop at the VA Hospital in Madison, where they bought a number of beautiful things. Dickie was willing to share anything he had with anyone. Countless times, he would "give it away", rather than sell something for his own benefit. And his art-WOW! I cherish the ceramic houses I have that he and Darlene have lovingly made me over the years. Spending time with them has been one of the great blessings of my life. We loved to go to all the community garage sales - it won't be the same without you, Dickie. I know that we didn't say "goodbye", but I know we will again say "hello". God will show you the blessing you have been to us. Until we meet again - I love you, will always miss you, and will cherish our memories. Love, Susie (and Bruce)