Richard C Nawratil

Richard C Nawratil

August 16, 1944 - August 04, 2022

Send Flowers

Obituary

MONONA - Richard "Dick" Nawratil, age, 77, of Monona, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. He was born on Aug. 16, 1944, in Chicago, Ill., to Charles and Bernice (Kretchen) Nawratil. His family relocated to Monona, Wis., in 1954. He remained a Monona resident for life but always remained an avid fan of the Chicago Bears.

Dick was a professional histologist at MGH/Meriter Laboratory for 35 years before retiring. For a long time, he was also a prolific writer of letters to Your View. Many were published by the State Journal over the years. Dick’s letters were always thoughtful and well written and he loved the feedback they elicited.

Dick was a man of many talents, a watercolorist with art fairs to his credit, a guitar and banjo player who entertained at nursing homes, a model train builder, a golfer with two holes-in-one, a fisherman, curler and bocce player. Truly a man of many interests and talents.

Dick is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha "Marty"; brother, Don (Victoria Kwitek); brother-in-law, John Heck (Phyllis); sister-in-law, Julie Malone; and many friends and extended family who will miss his wit, music and letters. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Lois Heck; and his close friends, Charles McLiesh, David Takle and Roy Stenzel.

A celebration of life will be held at the MADISON CURLING CLUB, 4802 Marsh Road, McFarland, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dick’s memory to Unity Point Meriter Foundation, 202 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53715; The Blooming Grove Historical Society, P.O. Box 6704, Monona, WI 53716; or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420





Events

There are no events for Richard yet.

Photos

Add photos
of Richard
Memorial wall photo

Memories

Add a memory of
Richard
RB
Rena Beukelman
Other •
Marty, I am so sad to hear of Dick's passing. He was a ray of sunshine and I have so many memories of our fun times together. My love and prayers are with you. Rest in peace, Dick! -Rena (Stylen) Beukelman
CE
Cheryl Engibous
Other •
I had known Dick since I was in grade school. He was my brother’s best friend (David Takle).They shared many a lively discussion re politics and the like. He was such a good person, and when my brother was ill, he was always there for him. Dick shared many stories and memories with me. Dick had many talents, and I wished I had seen some of his artwork, but lived in different cities. Dick will be loved and missed by many, myself included. I guess he will be meeting up with my brother to carry on their conversations and maybe some fishing too. He will be watching over Marty. With love, Cheryl Engibous
AP
Anne Pryor
Other •
I enjoyed Dick so much. I met him through curling and appreciated him as an active, generous, creative MCC member. I have missed seeing him there and will miss him even more now.
MW
Mary Winter
Other •
So sorry to hear this. I will miss him, even though we lived far apart and didn't see each other much. We were online friends and enjoyed joking with each other about life. ...and politics! He will be dearly missed by many. Such a big heart.
DS
Dennis Stone
Other •
I have known Dick for years while working in the lab. He was always funny, helpful and great to be around both in and out of work. Marty, I am so sorry for your loss. Always remember his smiles and his jokes.
JP
Jean Purcell
Other •
Marty & family, very sorry to hear of Dick's passing. So enjoyed our working years together. And will remember him everytime I look at his artwork..Mostly Watercolors. Still one of my favorite artworks.

Share memorial