Richard Drause

Richard Drause

November 05, 1952 - November 29, 2022

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Obituary

Madison – Richard Thomas Drause, age 70, of Madison, Wisconsin passed away on November 29, 2022 at Agrace Hospice following a courageous battle with ALS. During the final months of Richard’s life, he was lovingly cared for by lifelong friends Carol (Smokie) Meagher, Judy Ostberg, and his sister Wanda M. Drause Verdon. Richard was born in Madison, Wisconsin to parents Raymond M. and Dorothy M. (Rapa) Drause.

Richard graduated from Madison East High School in 1971. A lifelong bachelor, he was a caring brother, loving uncle and dedicated friend giving us guidance, support, a bit of mischief and an occasional cookie! Richard was an avid outdoorsman and NRA member who loved to fish, hunt, camp, cook, and ride motorcycles. He often shared the game he harvested with friends and family. Richard practiced the ideals as he stated in his father’s eulogy “to love each other, the love of things dear to him like all outdoor sports, especially hunting, fishing, and the beauty of nature. He was always there for us when anyone needed any help or advice, but also stressed the importance of self-reliance, a good job, and to love God.”

From his late teens to the end of his life he was a loyal member of the Capital City Riders Motorcycle Club where he made many lifelong friends and enjoyed a fraternal relationship with many others. From a young age Richard displayed a natural aptitude for fixing and building things. His finest work was adding a turbo charger and nitrous oxide to his 1947 knucklehead Harley, Dirty Ed. This led him to a lifelong career as a mechanic. He spent many years as a truck mechanic at Capital City International and later in similar roles working in fleet services for the City of Madison. Richard is survived by his brother Raymond W. (Mina) Drause of Simpsonville, SC, sister Wanda M. Drause Verdon (Bruce) of Madison, WI; nephews Christopher (Erin), Stefon, Brian (Angela), Raymond J.R. (Natalia), niece Beret; and many other grand nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Mark E. Drause, brother-in-law Curtis Verdon, and beloved cats Porky Pie, Missy, and Baby.

Richard’s family would like to extend a special thank you and their appreciation to all the staff at Agrace Hospice. At Richard’s request there will be no services. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Donations in his name may be made to the Empty Stocking Club and the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. 608-249-8257

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Richard
CK
Christopher Kox
Other •
I thank your family for the very good looking picture accompanying this obituary. You are recognizable in spite of the fifty years, or so, since last seeing you. I write on behalf of several school chums from Sherman and Gompers, junior high, and East High school. We well remember the days when you were experimenting with black powder there, and consulted with Mr Gumpf on the chemistry behind this. I also remember you as member of the CC Riders because you had been well acquainted with my good friend and colleague Mary "Crazy Mary" Hammelev, who also was a 74 owner, and who had a shop Mary's Leatheree next to the club headquarters. Sadly, Mary passed away in Mexico in February 2020, but she recalled you and many other club members when we spoke in the past. We can all appreciate your care for the outdoors, for outdoor sports, and for a love of and kindness to animals. May God bless and keep your soul while your family, friends keep your memory alive.
TR
Tom and Sue Rapa
Other •
I knew Richard as part of the extended family my entire life. He was like a brother to me. But, as memory serves, we never had a disagreement during all those years. I attribute this to Richard's exceedingly good nature rather than any effort on my part. He was, by any measure, a great person, friend and cousin. My heart goes out to all who knew him. His passing is a great loss, but he is now at home, where all of us long to be. Godspeed Richard
S(
stephen lavasseur (lava)
Other •
watching you ride Dirty Ed was a treat, blowing by crotch rockets with a smile. love you always, brother Lava (stephen lavasseur)
MC
Mary Christian
Other •
What a nice picture! The obituary is wonderful, and even this thoughtful banner of a man fishing on the lake...Richard would love it, I know! He had such caring support from great people, and, who deserved it more? What a gentle soul our Richard was/is. I worked with him at two places and he easily endeared himself to me. Years back he got in a habit of bringing me special dishes to eat at work....he'd catch a bunch of crappies and blue gill for example; get up super early before work to cook them up and then bring me a big platter of Governor's Island fresh catch of the day for lunch. What a treat! What a guy. Unique. Kind. Gentle. Mischievious. Mother Natures' true son. I have no doubt, where ever he is, he's fine; probably nominated to teach the rest of us how to be so good. If you ever get a nudge to do the right thing, it just may be our friend, so tip your hat and whisper, "Thanks Richard - I needed that!"
CM
Cindy Moore
Other •
Richard was once a co-worker and always a friend. Such a caring friend that he didn't want me to know about his ALS diagnosis because he said, "I cry too much". Well, a lot of tears have been shed. Thank you to all who helped him through his illness. He was loved and will be missed.
TP
Terry Patterson
Other •
I'm sorry to hear about Richard's passing, I remember working with him years ago at Pepsi Cola back in the early 70's and hanging out at the Anchor Inn after work, having a few beers! those were some great times. RIP

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