Dean Thomas Richard, age 66, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack while on vacation in the Dominican Republic on February 1, 2025.

Dean was born on March 26, 1958, to Joseph and Leona (Plines) Richard in Iron Mountain, Michigan; the youngest of three children. Dean always looked up to his older brother and sister. Dean grew up in Niagra, Wisconsin and moved with his family to Lodi, California when he was in 7th grade. He graduated from Lodi High in 1976. Dean attended Delta College for one year and returned to Wisconsin in 1977. He worked for his brother at Budget Rent A Car while attending MATC.

Dean met his future wife, Laurie, while she worked at Ella’s Deli. They were married in Madison, WI on July 14, 1979. After they were married, they moved to Milwaukee where Dean worked at Badger Coaches as an Assistant Manager. During that time, he attended Marquette University where he received a degree in Accounting. They moved back to the Madison area and began his career in accounting at Huser & Callahan in Sun Prairie. Dean went on to work at Rowley Schlimgen, Rywall & Texture. Dean was an owner of Drywall Concepts for 25 years, retiring in 2024.

Dean was a very devoted husband and father. He was a scout leader, PTO member, soccer coach, and loved to take the kids camping. He enjoyed working out at the Princeton Club and made many friends there. Dean was an active member of the DeForest Windsor Lions Club. You could see him cooking chicken at their annual 4th of July celebrations every year. His faith was very important to him. Dean was a member of St Peter Church in Madison and currently a member of St Olaf.

Dean loved to travel; his favorite places were anyplace warm. He especially loved Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. He also enjoyed spending time with family, neighbors and playing cards with the guys.

Dean was survived by his wife Laurie; children, Douglas (Tamara), Gregory (Amanda), Krissy (Harry) Talley; grandchildren, Peyten, Presten, Odessa, Olivia, Addison, Elliana, Landon and soon to be grandson Titan; siblings, Gary (Diana), Debbie (Roger) Henry; sister-in-laws, Micki (Russ) Mezera, Jackie (Myles) Bible; brother-in-law, Doug (Jill) Fosnow and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Joseph Richard and Leona (Plines); mother and father-in-law, Myron and Barbara Fosnow, along with numerous aunts, uncles cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association or the DeForest Windsor Lions Club.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson Street, DeForest, WI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Ryan Funeral Home in DeForest and then again at St Olaf Catholic Church on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service. Interment will take place at Highland Memory Garden.

To view and sign this guestbook please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250

Dean Richard

March 26, 1958 - February 01, 2025

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