Richard Trace

Trace, Richard J. MADISON Richard J. Trace of Madison, passed over to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, June 9, 2008, at his home. He was born July 3, 1941, in Dodgeville, the son of John and Mary (Steffes) Trace. His childhood was spent on the farm until he joined the U.S. Army in October 1963. He served his country in Vietnam, was injured in combat and earned a Purple Heart in 1966. During his rehabilitation, he met his future wife, Agnes. Upon his discharge from the service, they were united in marriage on July 29, 1967. He and his family lived in Madison and Richard spent 31 years employed as a postal clerk at the U.S. Post Office. His passions in life were his family, especially his grandchildren, following the ups and downs of the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers, frequent trips to Ho-Chunk to gamble with his wife, many times winning, and spending time on his land hunting with his boys and grandson. However, he was most passionate about helping others in need. Whatever Richard had, he shared with or gave to others in need. He volunteered for numerous organizations that provided assistance to his fellow man including the Knights of Columbus, Saint Vincent DePaul Society, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and Luke House. He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Madison for more than 35 years and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He is survived by his wife; children, Rich (Teresa Nichols) of Mount Horeb; Tim (Ruti) of Oregon; adopted daughter, Sandy (Bill) Fulbright; grandchildren, Kyle, Bryce and Parker; brothers and sisters, Robert (Sharon) Trace, Genrose (Wilbur) Evans, Gertrude (Robert) Houselog, Edward (Catherine) Trace, Aletha (James) Duest, Elaine Rundle, JoAnne (John) Brunner, and Eugene Trace; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jim (Pat) Schmitt, Clem (Sue) Schmitt, Cathy (Bob) Takala, Andy Schmitt, John (Nancy) Schmitt, Dallas Millard, and Carol Potterton; and many nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clement and Charlotte Schmitt; brothers, Leo Steffes and William Trace; sisters, Rita Millard and Virginia Trace; and brother-in-law, Jerry Rundle. Funeral services will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at 11 a.m., with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, with military rites conducted. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Vincent DePaul and Hospice.