Richard H. Straavaldsen
December 20, 1932 - November 09, 2017
Obituary
MADISON- Richard H. Straavaldsen, Ph.D., age 85, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, at William S Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. He was born on Dec. 20, 1932, in Madison, the son of Clarence and Julia (Johnson) Straavaldsen. Richard graduated from Madison East High School and received his Bachelor's degree from UW-Madison, and his Doctorate degree from UCLA. Richard proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Barbara Phillips on July, 1955. Richard worked for 7-UP in the marketing department in St. Louis and created the "Un-Cola" campaign. He was awarded tenure as faculty professor at UW-LaCrosse, and was also a faculty member at Alaska Pacific University. Richard also was a guest lecturer at the University of Moscow. He enjoyed, hunting, fishing and mountaineering. Richard is survived by his daughter, Kori (Randy) Mahoney; son, Eric (Cristy) Straavaldsen; grandchildren, Brad Straavaldsen Mahoney and Abigail Straavaldsen Mahoney, and Anders and Kai Straavaldsen; sister, Joyce Ridenour; sister-in-law, Mary Phillips; brother-in-law, Terry (Kathy) Phillips; and many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara; and son, Brad Straavaldsen. A gathering will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, from noon until 1:30 p.m., with military honors being conducted at 1 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 13, 2017. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
608-221-5420
Events
Gathering
Mon Nov 13, 2017 @ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
Roselawn Memorial Park • -, -, WI null
Photos
Memories
KS
Kori Straavaldsen-Mahoney
Other •
Dad
DB
Dan Bach
Other •
So sorry to hear about your Father. I was proud to have met Dick and have many warm memories. I hope he and Brad are catching a lot of fish right now and having a great time. May he rest in peace.
KS
Kathleen Sullivan-Sealey
Other •
I am so sorry for the loss of your father, I was a friend of Brad's and had known your father since St Louis days. He was such a strong person
Kathleen Sullivan Sealey
J
Jimboynar@yahoo.com
Other •
Hello Kori.
I am an old friend of Brad’s and went on 2 backpack trips with Dick and Brad. Dick was a great guy and I especially remember our trip to the Beartooth mountains in Montana I agree with you. Your Dad never did recover from Brad’s death nor have I. Brad and I go back to the old Petrie’s days. We sure did fish and hunt a lot together. That’s how I met Dick.
My sympathies to your family. How old was your Dad ?
Jim Boynar