Richard Raymond Putnam

PUTNAM, RICHARD R. “PUTT” OREGON-Richard R. “Putt” Putnam, age 91, of Oregon, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2014, of acute leukemia. He was born on July 25, 1922, in Madison, the son of Raymond and Rose (Peterson) Putnam. He married Vera Pledger on Sept. 27, 1942, in Oregon. Putt served three years overseas duty (U.S. Army) in the European Theater during World War II, after which he came home to work for Dawes and Newton and then for the Dane County Highway Dept., where he retired as a supervisor after 41 years. He was a self taught man; there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix, including electrical, plumbing, carpentry or machinery. After Richard’s retirement, he finally found time to do the wood working he had always longed to do. He and Vera also spent 27 winters in Florida. His favorite place in the world was his garage where he could always find something to do. Putt is survived by his wife, Vera; sister, Doris Owen, Ocala, Fla.; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Stanley Putnam; and sisters, Helen Denton, Ramona Steichen and Norma Putnam. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014, with the Rev. Jason Mahnke officiating. A luncheon will follow. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Interment will be in Prairie Mound Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to The Wisconsin Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 434 South Yellowstone Drive, Suite 205, Madison, WI 53719. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. I have lost a life companion A life linked close to my own. Now I have only memories As I travel life’s highway alone. There is a vacant place at the table And an empty rocking chair The couch where you always rested Is now so lonely and bare. When the dawn of morning wakes me How sad to know you’re not in view And when evening shadows start to fall My thoughts my love are all of you. I’m so lonely here without you Sorrow grief and many tears But I thank our Heavenly Father For giving us so many good years. Sleep on my love and take your rest This is God’s plan we shall abide When he calls me as he has you Then I’ll be resting by your side. Love, Vera Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608)835-3515