Obituary of David R. Richards

David R. Richards of Waukesha, WI passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at his home. David bravely battled cancer and other challenging health problems for fifteen years, always without complaint and always with humorous exchanges with his family, friends and his special doctors at Froedtert Hospital. He was born on May 26, 1925 in Genesee Depot, WI the son of Arthur and Mabel (nee Lee) Richards. He made his final journey with his brother-in-law, Thor Thorsen, who also died the morning of December 4, 2013. David proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, serving in the European Theater in World War II. On returning home he attended Marquette University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. He began his life-long career in banking joining his father and siblings in a family-owned bank and later other banks. David was privileged to travel to Washington, D.C. on November 3, 2012 with the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight with his marvelous guardian Abbie Jackson. They were both thrilled to be on the same plane as the amazing Joe Dean, founder of the Honor Flight. The theme was "Every day is a bonus!" He was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, PC games and trying to master Sudoku. David's greatest pleasures were parties and gatherings with family and friends, especially at Christmas. He was the loving and beloved husband, of Nordean (nee Thorsen) for 36 years, whom he married on May 20, 1977. To her, every day with him was also a bonus. He will be lovingly missed by his children David C. (Jane) Richards and Margaret (Terry) Troemel, grandchildren, Colleen Richards-Peltier, twins Rebecca (Brent) Meissner, Megan Richards and Corporal Campbell Richards of the U.S. Marine Corps. and three great-grandchildren, Creighton, Bryson and Breck. David is further survived by special nephews and nieces most especially Tina, Tammy and Alyssa who were of amazing help in his final journey. Also a special thank you to, Laura and Nicole Noel for helping with David's four legged friend, Harley and to the nurses of Pro Health Home Hospice and Visiting Angels. David was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Willis, Lee and sister, Eloise Richards. Our special appreciation to doctors, Geoffrey Lamb, Jennifer MacKinnon, Kathryn Bylow and Ileen Gilbert at Froedtert Hospital and to Pharmacists, Scott and Paul at Moreland Plaza Pharmacy. The visitation for David will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the 12:30 p.m. funeral service on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd. Waukesha, WI 53188. The entombment will take place immediately following at Prairie Home Cemetery with full Military Honors. Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family. For further information, please call 262 542 6609, or for directions, an online obituary, or to leave a condolence, please visit www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com.