Richard Kearney

Kearney, Richard LloydMADISON- Richard Lloyd Kearney, age 77, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2009 at Meriter Hospital. He was born in Brodhead, on September 19, 1932, the son of Frank and Belle Kearney. Richard was a member of the 11th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, serving his country from 1951-1954. After retiring from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in 1989, Richard and his special friend Joann enjoyed many outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, and especially working endlessly on their home and yard. He was always there for his children. Richard is survived by his children, Debra (Jim) Weaks, Dan (Diane) Kearney, and Doug (Anne) Kearney; six grandchildren, Katherine and Tyler Weaks, Laura and Will Kearney, and Justin and Lauren Kearney; friend, Joann Torke; mother to his children, Eleanor Kearney; brothers, Kenneth, Robert, Ferrell, and Phillip; and sisters, Beverly Christofferson and Patricia Teague. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wallace; and sister, Francis Henderson. A private memorial service will be held for his immediate family members. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 55 DOnofrio Drive, Suite 17, Madison, WI, 53719. Richards family would like to thank Dr. Tom McFarland and the nursing staff at Meriter Hospital for their care and compassion. To our Dearest Father, your longing for freedom has finally come. O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done,The ship has weatherd every rack, the prize we sought is won,The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;But O heart! Heart! Heart!O the bleeding drops of red, Where on the deck my Captain lies,Fallen cold and dead.O Captain! My Captain! Rise up and hear the bells;Rise up-for you the flag is flung- for you the bugle trills,For you bouquets and ribbond wreaths-for you the shores a-crowding,For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;Here Captain! Dear Father!This arm beneath your head!It is some dream that on the deck,Youve fallen cold and dead.My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,The ship is anchord safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;Exult O shores and ring O bells!But I with mournful tread,Walk the deck my Captain lies,Fallen cold and dead.Walt Whitman Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 55 DOnofrio Drive, Suite 17, Madison, WI, 53719. Service: A private memorial service will be held for his immediate family members.