Richard John Barker
February 22, 1944 - February 01, 2021
Obituary
MONONA- Richard J. “Dick” Barker, age 76, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Feb. 22, 1944, in Rockford, Ill., the son of Harry and Margaret (McKinley) Barker.
Dick graduated from Verona High School in 1962. He joined the U.S. National Guard in 1965. Dick worked as a computer operator at the Peterson Building for over 10 years and for American Family Insurance for over 30 years. After retiring, Dick found that he enjoyed helping others so much that he decided to start up his own cleaning business. He was also a proud fire fighter and EMT with Monona for over 20 years. Throughout Dick’s life he was always lending a helping hand where needed, expecting nothing in return.
Dick enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Kylo, and watching him play sports, especially baseball. He was an avid Madison Mallards and Chicago Cubs fan and was a Badgers football and hockey season ticket holder for many years. Dick was a marathon runner for over 20 years and helped establish the Madison Marathon. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially poker.
Dick is survived by his two sons, Bradley Barker and Michael (Wendy) Barker; grandson, Kylo Barker; brother, Harry (Nancy) Barker; and sister, Mary (Ron) Gordon. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Barker; and daughter, Kristin Barker.
A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. Due to COVID-19 guidelines only 35 people are allowed into the funeral home at one time. Social distancing and face masks are required. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Gathering
Sat Feb 27, 2021 @ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Richard have been shared yet.
Memories
SM
Stephanie Maves
Other •
Brad-So sorry for your families loss. Hugs to all! Stephanie and Phil and kids
DW
Diane Ackley Weiner
Other •
Dick was my mother's much younger cousin and all of us were very fond of him and his family. His mother, Margaret was close to my parents, they visited her frequently. My memories of Dick are all happy ones, and we loved seeing him ride the fire truck at the Monona Memorial Day Parade. He was a special guy, always full of life, and I send my condolences to his family and loved ones. Diane (Ackley) Weiner
MA
Mary Ann
Other •
I was one of Dick's coworkers at American Family - he was a pleasure to work with. He was very upbeat and positive and had a great laugh. When I saw his picture, it was like I heard his laugh again. My sympathy to his family and friends
DM
Deb Msgully
Other •
Dick was a long time friend. We shared many good times, laughs & tears. He was always helping others as long as he could. He never forgot a birthday. He looked forward to his dinners' with all his old co-workers from American Family. All ladies, he never complained, tee hee. Once in a while we would let a husband join the group so dick could at least have someone to talk sports with. Our Dinners won't be the same without him. I will miss his call's usually a couple times a week, but mostly just to say hi and how are things going. And when was our next dinner. Ha Ha. Our dinners won't be the same without him. He will be greatly missed!!. "The LORD replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” EXODUS 33:14