Richard Bogdanow

Richard Bogdanow

November 15, 1935 - December 13, 2025

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Obituary

Richard Bogdanow Sr. passed away on December 13, 2025, after a brief illness. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, on November 15, 1935, son of William and Pauline (Maciag) Bogdanow. Richard (Dick/Bucky) graduated from Central High School in 1955. He met Gail Fruth, a fellow resident of the Greenbush neighborhood of Madison, at a dance. They were married in May of 1960. Dick worked at the Carnes Corporation in Verona and was a letter carrier for the US Postal Service more than 25 years.

Dick is survived by his children Richard, Jr., Janet (Tom) Wanamaker, Paula (Keith) Schmid, Jerilyn (Steve) Cunningham, and Mary Bogdanow (John Stephenson); five grandchildren: Dan and Maddie Wanamaker, Evan and Dana Schmid, and Brian Cunningham.

A 62-year resident of Verona, Dick with his wife Gail enjoyed participating in activities at the Verona Senior Center and attending community meals at St. James Lutheran Church and the Kasieta Center. Dick was an avid Euchre player but loved any card game. He was a sober member of AA for 44 years. He was passionate about water and energy conservation.

Dick is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Gail, his parents, sister Anne Hub-Carney, sister Rose Lemberger, five nephews, and two nieces.

A celebration of life will be held at the Kasieta Center, 1200 E Verona Ave, Verona WI 53593 on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to remember Dick by donating to Wisconsin Public Radio www.wpr.org or St. James Lutheran Church 427 S Main Street, Verona WI 53593, memo “Community Meal/RVB”. To view his obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625

Events

01
Celebration Service
Sun Mar 1, 2026 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Kasieta Center • 1200 E Verona Ave, Verona, WI 53593
Get Directions

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James Gerhards
Friend •
Jim “Elwood “ Gerhards , I have had the pleasure of being a friend to Rich, Gale and Bucky since I first met Rich at Verona High School. From hanging out together as teenagers to living in both of our first apartments we went on to ride motorcycles, hunt and the many various activities young people do. One of my special memories is one morning when Rich and I were getting ready for work, Bucky showed up with breakfast. He said “You boys can’t go to work without a good breakfast “. He proceeded to fry sausage patties from Miller’s homemade sausage and eggs and toast while he carried on a lively conversation. Unbelievable! I often enjoyed sitting at their dining room table and having a cup of coffee with Gale while waiting for Rich to get ready for whatever we had planned. She always had advice for us on our direction in life. Unforgettable memories. Thanks for treating me like one of the family.
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Charles "Charlie" Fruth
Family •
In Memory of Uncle “Bucky” Uncle Bucky, my fondest memories of you were at family gatherings, where you’d share stories about my parents or my aunts and uncles. The way you told those stories — your timing, your delivery, that spark in your eye — always had me laughing and wanting more. You lived a great life, with a great wife and a great family. I’m sad for my cousins, but not for you, buddy. You’re with Aunt Gail now, probably smoking somebody in cards. Thank you for always taking the time to give me the scoop. I always left the party with a new story and a great memory. Keep telling the stories, Unc. I’ll be listening. PS: Say hello to Grampa Joe for me.
TT
Therese (Tess) Finn Thompson
Friend •
I remember living next door to Dick and Gail Bogdanow on Emerald Street in Madison. I loved picking cheeries off of their fruit tree in their backyard. I would always get permiission from them first.
CG
Carren Corcoran Gummin
Friend •
When I remember Bucky I can hear his snicker giggle. He and Corky (my Dad) were buddies. I would come home from school and those two would be sitting at our kitchen table eating an entire pie or polishing off a pan of brownies. I would roll my eyes and go to my room. As an adult Dick and Gail were my neighbors and just to hear him snicker would bring me joy. I imagine Bucky and Corky are sitting again at the big kitchen table in the sky and enjoying a sweet dessert . One of the good guys - Carren Corcoran Gummin
TF
Tricia Ford
Friend •
Jeri and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I always enjoyed visiting with your parents over the years and they always made you feel so welcome. I will always remember your Dad’s smile and twinkle in his eye. You could not have picked a more perfect picture of him. I know he is enjoying his reunion with the love of his life and I hope you can find some comfort knowing he and your mom are together again. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Tricia

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