Thomas Richard

MADISON - Thomas Arthur Richard, 93, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.  He and his twin brother, Terry, were born on Thanksgiving Day, 1930, to Carl Frederick and Gladys (Hays) Richard in Fond du Lac, Wis.  

Tom grew up on the Hays family farm in Dodge County.  He joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard while in high school and served for the next 14 years.  He graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1949.  Tom worked his way through college with several jobs.  In addition to the National Guard, he was a tractor mechanic, and most importantly, he was a waiter at the Elizabeth Waters dorm cafeteria where he met the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Carol Kealey of Janesville, Wis.

Tom graduated from the University of Wisconsin three times:  B.S. 1954 (Soil Sciences), Masters in 1957 (Soil Sciences), and Ph.D. in 1965 (Soil Sciences and Statistics).  The soil sciences expertise meant that he had trained in multiple scientific disciplines.  His first professional job was as a chemist at the State Crime Lab, where he worked on the infamous Ed Gein case.  He eventually left the crime lab and spent a year at Corning Glass Works in New York, where he helped develop Correll dishware.  Tom returned to Wisconsin to work as an occupational health specialist at the State Division of Health and professor at the University of Wisconsin.  He was ultimately “confiscated” by the federal Department of Labor’s newly formed Occupational Safety and Health Administration as an industrial hygienist where he became an expert in underground tunnels and investigated industrial sites around the country to protect workers.

Tom was a certified professional engineer, mechanic, builder, landscaper, and farmer.  He harvested gallons of maple syrup every spring.  Tom loved tractors, farms, and animals, especially his dogs.  His hobby was working on myriads of projects.

Tom is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, Timothy “Tim” Richard and Theodore “Ted” (Ankie) Richard; grandchildren, Danielle, Anna, and Luke Richard; sister, Susan Glade; as well as several generations of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Gladys; and brothers, James “Dickie” Richard, Byron “Danny” Richard and Terrance “Terry” Richard.

Family and friends may visit GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.  Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at ST. LUKES EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 4011 Major Ave., Madison. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. He will be buried with military honors at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Janesville, at 10:45 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420