Richard J. 'Rick' Gjavenis

BLANCHARDVILLE-Richard J. “Rick” Gjavenis, age 51, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012. He was born on Oct. 2, 1960, in Portage, the son of Edward and Jane (Youngs) Gjavenis. Rick married Sandra Graff on Jan. 4, 2003. Rick took great pride in working hard. He worked for more than 20 years bartending at Country Corners, while working at WPS Insurance for more than 30 years. Rick was always willing to help anyone, and was always finding projects. He enjoyed NASCAR, the Vikings, fishing, horses, classic country music, camping with friends in Mercer, and spending time with family and friends. Rick is survived by his wife, Sandy; children, Keith (Megan) Gjavenis, Rachel (Brad Berlin) Gjavenis, B.J. (Andrea) McElmurry, Zack (Lisa) McElmurry, Alyssa McElmurry, and Ben McElmurry; granddaughter, Evelyn Rose Lange; grandson, Blake France; and a grandchild on the way. He is further survived by his mother, Jane Bradley; sister, Regina (William) Niebler; aunt, Tricia (Mark) Erickson; special cousin, Tammy (Marc) Smith; many nieces and nephews; cousins; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father; maternal grandparents, Beulah and James Youngs; and uncles, Ron and Gerald Youngs. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012.