John Jerome Richard

John Jerome Richard, 86, passed away in his home on Monday, September 26, 2016. After more than two months at Benedictine Living Community, he returned home and spent his final week with his beloved wife, Sonja, kitties Katie and Morris and dog Ginger. John was born July 26, 1930 to John and Catherine (Kiechler) Richard in Madison, Minnesota. The family moved to Newburg Corners, WI and he graduated from Aquinas High School, Class of 46. In June of 1958 he married his sweetheart, Sonja Torgerson of Coon Valley. John did many things to make sure his family was cared for: farmer, highway maintenance, security guard, and custodian. He was never afraid to work two full time jobs so his family would not go without. John had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. His passions were his pets, gardening, woodworking and tinkering. He was about the handiest man around - doing projects small to large. John was a strong man, but nothing was stronger than his love for his children, grandchildren, and most of all Sonja-his beloved wife of 58 years. He is survived by Sonja, daughters Joanne Beardsley, Dorothy (Bill) Lathrop, and son John (Pauline) Richard and their two sons John and Alex, his many nieces and nephews and all the other people that considered him “Dad”. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Catherine, sister Veronica and brother Robert.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 30, 2016 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 S. 13th St., La Crosse. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. S. on Thursday from 5-7 PM where a prayer service will be held at 6:30 PM and again at the church on Friday from 9:30 AM until the time of service.
The family would like to thank Mayo Health System Hospice, the staff at Benedictine Living Community and a special thanks to Dr. John Teske.