Richard H Wilson
February 17, 1929 - November 15, 2016
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Richard "Dick" Hullinger Wilson, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Hebron Oaks Oakwood Village in Madison. He was born on February 17, 1929 in Elgin, Illinois, the son of Wesley and Dorothy (Hullinger) Wilson. Richard was a 1952 graduate of Northwestern University where he studied Economics. He had a very satisfying career working at Oscar Mayer from 1955 until 1987 where he was the Corporate Director of Industrial Engineering. Richard also worked as Managing Director for three years with Prima Meat Packers. Living in Tokyo, Japan was truly a highlight of his career and of his wife, Bonnie's, life. Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life Bonnie Wait for 58 years. They had two children. His son, Jeff, was born in 1953. He earned a degree in Theatre and Film Production and was a veteran of the United States Air Force. His daughter, Laura, was born in 1956. She is an ESL teacher in the Minneapolis School District and holds degrees in Dance and Education. Richard was a wonderful father and a great friend to many. He was an avid golfer and active in his church and its choir. Richard is survived by his daughter, Laura Wilson and a brother, Theodore Wilson. He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie and son Jeff. Funeral services will be held at MIDDLETON COMMUNITY CHURCH, 645 Schewe Road, (corner of Old Sauk and Schewe Roads) Middleton at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2016 with the Reverend James Iliff presiding. Burial will be private. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton from 1 PM until 3 PM on Sunday, November 20, 2016. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Middleton Community Church, Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. or Hebron Oaks Oakwood Village. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Events
Visitation
Sun Nov 20, 2016 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Mon Nov 21, 2016 @ 6:00 PM CDT
Middleton Community United Church of Christ • 645 Schewe Road, Middleton, WI 53562
Photos
No photos of Richard have been shared yet.
Memories
BM
Betsy Montzingo
Other •
Sad to hear of Dick's passing. I worked for him for a brief time at Oscar Mayer. He was great to work for -- a kind, pleasant gentleman always.
Betsy Montzingo
DS
Dan Simms
Other •
Dear Mr. Wilson: Seeing your name and photo in the newspaper shocked me back to my school days in Middleton. I do not think we ever met, but I was a classmate and school friend of your son, Jeff. I remember Jeff well and seeing your photo sure did polish my memory of him. In Spanish class, Jeff pompously named himself "Jefe", which is Spanish for "chief". I remember Jeff as being very proud of his family and as a good guy. After we graduated from MHS in 1970, I envied his path to NU, but I don't think I ever saw him again. I and all of our classmates mourned Jeff's untimely and horrifically sad death, while so patriotically serving our country. I have been mentoring a neighborhood kid who is from Honduras, whose name is Jeff. I coached him in basketball and I bestowed on him the name "Jefe", in honor of your son, Jeff. I explained the significance of this honor to Jeff, and he seems proud to be called "Jefe". I am pretty sure that I never met your daughter, but I and my family wish to express to her our condolences on your passing. Clearly, your life in Middleton made our city a better place and I have always been proud to have considered your son, Jeff, a friend. Sincerely, Dan Simms
BF
Barbara French
Other •
Dear Laura-
I am so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Having recently gone through this with my own dad, I know how difficult it is to lose a parent. My thoughts are with you.
Love,
Barbara French
DS
Denise Skuldt
Other •
Dear Laura, I am sorry for the loss of your father. I worked for your father at
Oscar Mayer in IE and he was a very kind and gentle man. We were interviewed
together for the Link Magazine. One Christmas he gave me a small wooden Swiss
music box with a little Hummel girl on looking at a yellow bird, which was the
song it played. I still have it after all these years and think of him each time it
is played. Many fond memories of your sweet father and the handball games
he played during his lunch breaks.
Denise Skuldt
TB
Tom Bergman
Other •
I spent so many years sitting next to Dick in Church Choir. It was such an honor to sing for Dick at his funeral. I remember when he asked me several years ago. I'm so glad he asked and even more, to be able to be there for him and for Laura. A wonderful service and Laura's words described her father to a tee (pun intended)! Dick will be greatly missed!
JG
John Gadow
Other •
I worked for Dick at Oscar Mayer in the early 1960s. He was an energetic, compassionate and competent man who led by example. Most of all, he was a fine gentleman. The world is a poorer place without him. RIP Dick.