Richard H Cowan
June 18, 1949 - June 26, 2020
Obituary
NEW GLARUS - Richard H. Cowan, age 71, of New Glarus, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020, at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was born on June 18, 1949, in Madison, Wis., the son of Donald Cowan and Kathryn (Thorstad) Cowan. Richard graduated from LaFollette High School and UW-Platteville. He married Ellen Schwartz on December 18, 1994 in Madison.
Richard served on the Madison Police Department for over 30 years, retiring as Assistant Chief. In his retirement he enjoyed photography.
Richard is survived by his brother, Donald L. (Suzanne) Cowan Jr. of Oregon, Wis.; and Ellen’s family, Marie (Steve) Wilke of Glendale, Wis., Stacie (Walter) Meyer of Madison, Wis., Theresa (Dean) Hodnett of Saint Paul, Minn., Patti (Ricky) Brinkmann of Winneconne, Wis., Claire (Barb Atkinson) Schwartz of Monticello, Wis., Mark (Ann) Schwartz of Watertown, Wis., Neal (Cindy) Schwartz and Alan P. Schwartz, both of Monroe, Wis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Jeanine Schwartz; father, Donald L. Cowan; and mother, Kathryn Cowan.
Due to new COVID-19, visitors can greet the family from their cars at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, July. 3, 2020. Burial will be private at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Green County Abuse Prevention Team, or Green Haven Family Advocates, both located at 1811 11th St., Monroe, WI 53566, or Shelter From the Storm, 1602 Blossom Lane, Madison, WI 53716. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002
Events
Visitation
Fri Jul 3, 2020 @ 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Photos
No photos of Richard have been shared yet.
Memories
JL
Jeff LaMar
Other •
Rich, farewell longtime friend, co-worker and mentor. I will miss the many phone calls that we had these last few years, the many laughs we shared over the years and the challenging experiences that we faced as Madison Police commanders. Rich and I first met in kindergarten (yes, kindergarten) and went to the same schools until high school graduation, went to different colleges but then joined the police department the same year, and retired the same year after almost 31 years. Good memories abound and since he got promoted to assistant chief he was a mentor to me as well. When Rich married Ellen (the love of his life) we became even closer as Ellen was my wife;s maid of honor. Many, many fond memories over 65 years including all the great restaurants that he introduced me to after retirement (smile). A good man and a good friend! We pray that you and Ellen are again reunited and happy to be together once more!
D
Duckowinter@gmail.com
Other •
Rest in peace, Richard, and proud to have served with you on the Madison Police Department.
GH
George Hesselberg
Other •
Very sorry to hear of the death of an old friend. Smart and funny and, with a young police reporter, patient. A good guy.
JJ
Jerry Jansen
Other •
So sorry to hear of Rich's death, much too young. Working with Rich while I was the Chief at Shorewood Hills PD, I learned how he served as a role model to his officers and peers. I later worked for him during one summer at the Dept. of Corrections, where we worked to make the state safer. Despite his job, he was a gentle man and will be missed.
Jerry Jansen
Mesa, AZ
JW
John Wolfgram
Other •
We are very sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. As a fellow police officer in Jefferson County, I shared many stories & experiences with him, although I was just one county away. Badger games were always fun along with some camping trips. I will always remember how kind he was to us & willing to help without even being asked! We will always have some great photos he took to remember him. Rest In Peace our friend. John & Alice Wolfgram
VE
Vicki Engelstad
Other •
Condolences to the Cowan and Schwartz families. Sorry for your loss.