Richard W. Boushea

MADISON-Richard W. "Dick" Boushea died last weekend on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, at the age of 83. Born in La Crosse, on Sept. 25, 1925, Richard also lived in Stevens Point and Onalaska prior to his family moving to Madison where he graduated from Madison East High School. He proudly served his country during the Second World War as a member of Battery B, 405th Armored Field Artillery Division, reaching the rank of staff sergeant and earning three battle stars for his participation in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central European Campaigns. The death and destruction he witnessed during the war convinced him to pursue a career of healing. Following his discharge, Richard attended the University of Wisconsin where he graduated from the U.W. Pharmacy School. He was a registered pharmacist in the state of Wisconsin for more than 50 years, working at various locations including Prescription Pharmacy, Stein Drugs and Gerhardt Drugs. Throughout his career Richard served as a preceptor to numerous interns, many of whom became colleagues and remained close friends. In "retirement", Richard provided part-time assistance at OConnell Pharmacy in Sun Prairie for his good friend and former intern, Mark OConnell, and at Door Creek Pharmacy in Cottage Grove. He also served as the primary caregiver for his mother and wife during the last years of their lives. In 1999, Richard and his son, Lee, traveled to Europe touring many of the areas in England, France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Holland and Germany where the 8th Armored Division originally campaigned. He remained an active member of the 8th Armored Division Association, attending yearly reunions with his son in such locations as Knoxville, St. Louis, Norfolk, Annapolis and Baton Rouge. He especially enjoyed the side trips to New Orleans to view the World War II museum and Fort Polk Louisiana where he received his armored training. In 2004 he took a memorable train trip to Washington D.C. with his son and dear friends, Philip and Doris Mendel, for the dedication of the World War II Memorial. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, G. Wade and Lorraine Boushea; his wife, Phyllis; and his daughter, Renee. He is survived by his son, Leighton "Lee" Boushea; and his granddaughters, Danielle and Angela. A reception to celebrate Richards life will take place on Sunday, March 1, 2009, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., at the Law Offices of BOUSHEA, SEGALL and KLIMINSKI, 2945 Triverton Pike Drive, Fitchburg, Wisconsin 53711. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider a donation to: FREEDOM HONOR FLIGHT, an organization providing free flights to veterans to see "their" memorials in Washington, D.C. For more information, go to the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs, www.dva.state.wi.us/PA_flights.asp