Byron W. Richason

Byron W. Richason, 94 of La Crosse, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Hillview Healthcare Center. He was born September 25, 1930, in Port Andrews, WI to Robert and Roxa (Jones) Richason. He graduated from Blue River High School in Blue River, WI where he played basketball, baseball and boxed.

Byron had served in the United States Army from 1948 until his discharge as a Sergeant in 1952. On December 24, 1950, he married Lola M. Mook in Las Cruces, NM. She preceded him in death on February 2, 2014.

Byron had worked as a master mechanic in the maintenance department for Wisconsin Power and Light for 34 years until his retirement. He also worked as a welder for the Cassville Barge Line and repaired the bowling machines at the Sand Bar in Cassville during the evenings. He additionally worked as a volunteer firefighter, a part-time police officer, and an E.M.T. 

 He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge and belonged to the IBWCIO as well as the Union at Wisconsin Power and Light.

In his spare time, he enjoyed many different activities including running trout lines, fishing and hunting, woodworking, picnic lunches on sandbars, bowling on the teams from the Town Pump and Bob & Innes, throwing horseshoes, playing many different card games, watching the Packers and Brewers, traveling with Lola in their RV and pop-up camper in the United States visiting friends. Byron was also an avid gardener, beekeeper, mushroom hunter, softball player and landscaper, as well as winemaker. He especially loved his cookies and coffee! 

Byron is survived by his five children: Dianne Terry of La Crosse, Curt (Nellie) Richason of Beloit, WI, Elaine (Edward) Riopelle of Jonesville, MI, Vickie (Peter) Hamaker of Beaufort, SC and Craig (Diane) Richason of La Crosse; two grandchildren, Jenny Barwick and Kevin Hamaker; three great-grandchildren, Sinclair, Cole and Camden along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his beloved wife, Lola he was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Velma Richason and Melva Bauer, two brothers, Theron Richason and Nelson Richason, along with a son-in-law, John Terry. 

Service details will be announced when finalized.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.