Richard Arles Wanless
January 12, 1949 - February 06, 2026
Obituary
MADISON - Richard A. Wanless, age 77, passed away on February 6, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wis. He was born on January 12, 1949, at the same hospital to June and Arles Wanless.
Richard graduated from La Follette High School in 1967 and from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1971. He met his wife, Mary, while they were both residence assistants in the dorms. Richard and Mary were married on August 21, 1971. Richard was a football player and a musician. He sang in choirs and a quartet, played the clarinet and piano, and traveled to Europe performing with his university choir. After they were married, Richard and Mary lived outside of Chicago for a few years and returned to Madison to raise a family.
Richard joined the Era Refrigeration Company, a company started by his father, that he ran for almost 50 years. He dedicated much of his life's work to making sure the temperatures were correct in buildings, trucks, and equipment for all types of clients including hospitals, the university, and Chocolate Shoppe. He had been on many rooftops in the city and in both morgues and he loved sharing stories of beautiful views only he could see because of his job.
Richard had a memorable sense of humor that kept those around him giggling. He was an avid bowler, dog walker, griller and photographer. He could strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He ate breakfast with the same group of friends for most of his life. He loved taking road trips, attending classic car shows and hot air balloon rallies. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and good friend to those around him.
Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Wanless; their children, Jayne (Joe Werwie), David (Shannon Sullivan) and Jeff (Nikki Miller); and four grandchildren, James Werwie, Winston and Beau Wanless, and Virgil Miller-Rose. He is also survived by in-laws, Tom and Kaaren Brehmer; a large network of cousins; and his faithful dog, Archie. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his mother-and-father-in-law, Jane and Herbert Brehmer.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Richard’s life at OLBRICH GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., with a remembrance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dane County Humane Society (www.giveshelter.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420