Richard Friend

MIDDLETON-Richard Dale Friend, age 84, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born on July 1, 1925, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, the son of Hobart and Alice (Ford) Friend. Richard was a World War II veteran , proudly serving his country in the United States Navy on the USS Wisconsin. He moved to Madison in 1948. On May 5, 1951, Richard was united in marriage to Joan Brunner and lived in Cross Plains, where he was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. He worked for Dane County Hospital & Home for 30 years as an Administrative Assistant and retired in 1985. Richard was a member of the Dane County Credit Union Board of Directors for several years. While living in Cross Plains he served on the Village Board and was a member of the American Legion. In 1982, he moved to Middleton where he became a member of St. Bernard\'s Catholic Church. Richard will be remembered by his family and friends for his light-hearted wit, his ability to live life to its fullest and share his gift of laughter will all he came in contact. He had a variety of interests including travel and woodcarving, but treasured most the time spent with his family. Richard is survived by his wife, Joan; two daughters, Marie (Thomas) Kemp, Blanchardville, Elizabeth (Michael) Ennis, Bronxville NY ; two sons, Joseph (Barbara) Raleigh, NC, John (Maureen), Middleton; four granddaughters, Rebecca (Kemp) Phillips and Theresa Kemp, Madeline Friend and Mackenzie Ennis; four grandsons, Michael, Austin and Alex Friend and Trey Ennis and a step-granddaughter, Teah Phillips. He is further survived by two sisters, Donna Lahey, Ft. Wayne, IN and Beatrice Helms, Powell, TN, a sister-in-law, Virginia Friend, Denver, CO and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, three brothers and a sister. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD\'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2009, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding. Burial will be in St. Bernard\'s Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton and also on Monday from 10:00a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to friends, neighbors and caregivers for their support during Richard\'s illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, the Middleton Senior Center, HospiceCare, Inc. or a charity of your choice. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, the Middleton Senior Center, HospiceCare, Inc. or a charity of your choice. Cemetery: Burial will be in St. Bernard\'s Catholic Cemetery Visitation: Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton and also on Monday from 10:00a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD\'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2009, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding.