Richard Francis Burton
May 31, 1945 - August 26, 2018
Obituary
MADISON/IOWA CITY, IOWA-Richard F. Burton died peacefully, surrounded by his children at Agrace HospiceCare on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018, in Madison, at the age of 73. Richard is survived by his sisters, Virginia (Jim) Melroy and Cecile (Ron) Owings, of Iowa City, Iowa; his daughter, Sarah Burton, of Madison; his son, Paul (Abbey) of Madison; and his grandchildren, Joseph, Max, Miriam, Benjamin and Simon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Margaret of Boone, Iowa; and his parents, William Lee Burton and Elsie Pavelka of Iowa City, Iowa. Richard was born on May 31, 1945, in Iowa City, Iowa, to William Lee and Elsie Burton. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1969, with a degree in Architecture. Richard married Mary Margaret, in 1971. After moving to Madison in 1977, he began working for MZM Architects for the next 16 years and then later for Potter Lawson for nearly 20 years until he retired in 2013. Over a 40 year career he worked on over 100 buildings including major projects like the Overture Center. During his retirement years he stayed busy working on house projects, attending concerts and watching his grandchildren’s’ activities. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Richard’s life. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Pinney Branch Library, Agrace HospiceCare, or Second Harvest Food Bank. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Fri Sep 7, 2018 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Fri Sep 7, 2018 @ 11:30 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
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Kandy Maharas
Other •
Dick is in the front row, 4th from the left. This was 4th grade, Mrs. Meardon and Principal Mr. Hensleigh at Horace Mann.
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Kandy Maharas
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Dick was a "character" always! We thought he would grow up to be a cartoonist! I would walk to school with him once in a while-when his family lived on Church. He must have liked to sleep late because his mother (who was so nice!) was always shooing him out the door! I remember him from grade school and have added a 4th grade picture of Mrs. Meardon's class with the Principal Mr. Hensleigh from Horace Mann. Dick is in the front row, 4th from the left. My sympathies to your family. This is such a nice picture-You must have loved his "fun loving nature". Wishing you only the happiest memories!
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Pastor Jerry A Olson
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My best condolences to Dick's family! Dick worked with us on the DeForest Elderly Housing building and was such a careful planner. We remember him with fondness and thanks!
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Bill Sheridan
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dick burton and I were friends. blessings to virginia , pat. cecile, children and grand kids. Dick and I lived in a small rural house near tiffin , ia after college graduation. . At Regina H.S. in iowa city, Dick always hand drew graphic cartoons on "Blast Jackets" for his friends. A kind, gentle, artistic , caring man. God bless my friend -Dick Burton
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William B Casey
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Dick and I were together in Catechism at St Wenceslaus(Fr. Bachman called roll); all classes at Regina; chemistry and engineering drawing at UI. Dick was a gifted artist and drew professional cartoons and professional artwork for sportscars, in high school. He was one of the kindest, most intelligent guys, I ever knew, a credit to his mom and dad - great people. My prayers to Virginia, Cecile, Paul, and the rest of his family.
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Leona O. Smith
Other •
My deepest sympathy to Dick's family and sisters. Dick was a first cousin to me and my three sisters: Dorothy Poduska (deceased), Ruth Hinz, and Marie Beuter. Dick's mother was a sister to my mother, Tillie Pavelka Reyhons. I remember the good times we shared when his parents came to our farm near Mt. Vernon, Iowa. I also loved to go to his house on Church St.and sit on the front porch. It was special to have cousins living in THE CITY. Sts. Peter and Paul was my growing up Catholic Church, so a memorial is being sent to the Foundation in his memory. Rest in Peace my younger cousin. Leona Smith