Richard Leo Mackesey

COTTAGE GROVE- Richard Leo Mackesey passed away at his home on Saturday, Sep. 20, 2014, at the age of 84. He was born on Jan. 30, 1930, in Madison, Wis., the sixth of seven children of the late Agnes C. (Farrell) and Stephen A. Mackesey. A West High School graduate, he married his Central High School sweetheart, Jacqueline Lee Gregory, after returning from military service, where he served our country as a Navy Seabee for four years. Whether people knew him as Rich, Dick, Uncle Dick, Dangster, Mack, Richie, Grandpa or Dad, he was appreciated as a strong man of his word, with humble integrity. Rich loved his family and friends. He valued the quiet times, as well as those filled with raucous laughter. He was an avid sports fan, card player, hunter, fisherman and all around outdoorsman. He was a devout Catholic and a familiar face at many Madison area churches where he could be found ducking in to attend mass or say a quick prayer. Rich also loved the times spent at The Triangle Market on State Street where he would often gather with his brother Vince and other friends and family. He worked as a Dane County Police Officer, owned and operated his own construction company, RL Mackesey, Inc., and retired from Daniel’s Construction where he worked as a supervisor for 15 years. Rich and Jackie raised seven children in the family home he built in Cottage Grove, after moving from Monona in 1967. During their child rearing years, he worked endlessly, for the sole purpose to provide for his family and live an honest and full life. He provided a foundation of a stable home, Catholic faith, integrity and responsibility, giving his kids the basis to seek a happy and fulfilling life. Rich spent his life with good friends and family. He had a large loving family of brothers and sisters and great jobs, making many good friends. He loved his Montana hunting trips, fishing trips across the US and Canada, and traveling – Ireland and his children’s homes being some favorites. However, family gatherings in Cottage Grove and spending days and nights with his wife were a constant source of love and joy. Please remember Rich’s loved ones who are left behind; his wife Jackie, his seven children, Deb (Mark Homan), Mike (Carolyn), Theresa (Tim Wilson), Art , Dave (Lynda), Rich (Tammy) and Bill (Lori); nine grandchildren, Nic, Leandra, Zac, Aaron, Lee, Jack, Robby, Kyle and Alyssa; and a great-grandson, Sawyer. He is also survived by his brother, Vince; sister-in- law Arline; sisters, Evelyn and Kathleen; sister-in- law, Jill Elver; many nieces and nephews and special friends who were like family. Rich is met in heaven by God, his parents; brothers, Tom (and Betty) and Ed (and Doris); sister, Millie (and Babe Lewis); his in-laws, Dick Sprague, Jerry Marion and C. David Elver; and his beloved daughter-in-law, Shari. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until time of the Mass. A private family burial will occur later. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Agrace HospiceCare, Fitchburg. The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare for their kind and compassionate care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.