DEERFIELD - Richard Lee “Dick” Ireland, age 80, of Deerfield Wis., passed away on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at Oak Park Place. He was born on June 26, 1943, in Madison, Wis., the son of Walter and Vivian (Legreid) Ireland.

Dick graduated from Deerfield High School in 1961. He was united in marriage to Gaylene on July 17, 1965, in rural Cottage Grove. Dick graduated from Madison Area Technical College with a degree in automotive technology in 1964. Dick was drafted to the United States Army in January of 1965 where he was awarded for his skills in sharpshooter (rifle), and served as a cook. Dick was a dedicated volunteer firefighter for 28 years in Deerfield from 1962 - 1990. He was the proud owner of D&J Service Center from 1986 to 2017, and was a member of the Four Lakes Motorcycle Club in Madison since 1997.

Dick enjoyed collecting cars and riding on his Harley motorcycle with his wife, Gaylene. He also enjoyed morning gatherings at the local gas station with his friends the “Coffee Club,” coaching little league baseball for his sons and hanging out with friends and family.

Dick is survived by his sons, Joshua (Denel) Ireland and John Ireland; grandson, Dillan Ireland; sister, Nancy Getschman; and special friend, Susan Hansen; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gaylene, and his stepfather, Herbert Schrank.

A memorial service will be held at SAINT PAUL’S LIBERTY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3494 Oak Park Road, Deerfield, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, with the Rev. Holly Slater presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon immediately following the service. Burial with military honors at Windsor Congregational Cemetery will follow luncheon at 2:30 p.m.

Memorials may be gifted to the family of Dick or in Dick’s name to St. Paul’s Liberty Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Richard L. Ireland

June 26, 1943 - September 24, 2023

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