John Vernon Richard

Kieler, Wisconsin John V. Richard, 82, of Kieler, Wisconsin, died Sunday, December 2, 2018, at home surrounded by the love of his family. He continued to share his gratitude for his family’s love during his valiant battle with cancer which eased the pain of his loved ones. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 7, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. Thursday at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center. A parish rosary service will be held at 2:45 p.m. Thursday before the visitation. Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Friday at the parish center before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is in charge of arrangements. John was born on August 25, 1936, on the family farm to Ed and Alice Richard. John graduated from Loras Academy in 1954. John was a generational farmer. He worked the usual long hours during morning and afternoon chores and other duties alongside his many brothers and sisters. He took over the farm in 1958 with his new wife, Joan (Hohnecker). Over the course of their 60 year marriage, they raised six children. The 137-year-old farm is now tended by his son, Jay (Paula). Up until recently, John continued to drive tractor or help out in other ways. Sports encompassed John’s life. From his playing days as a catcher with Kieler semi-pro baseball teams to watching the Badgers and Brewers compete, John loved sports including a passion for bowling. But most of all, John was a people person. Whether he was surrounded by his large family or his cherished grandchildren, John was in his comfort zone. His laugh was infectious and you knew when he was around. John took pride in being community oriented. When the community was in need, he offered his help every time. His voice carried during pleasant conversations, church hymns, and after the Packers scored a touchdown. However, he was more quiet during Thanksgiving and Christmas when it came time to pray. He would begin their family prayer the same way “Well, I know what I am thankful for this year,” and he would share some wonderful memories. The group holding hands around the table grew larger and older every year, except for one year in 2003, when he lost his oldest daughter, Jane. As he joins so many others in heaven, know that his family is thankful for having him in their lives. We will share that sentiment this coming Christmas as we hold hands again. John was “proud of his children, but doubly-proud of his grandchildren.” Survivors include his wife, Joan; his children, Jay (Paula) Richard, of Kieler, Julie (Wayne) Wodarz, of Platteville, Jaclyn (Steve) Urbanski, of Libertyville, IL, Jolene (Mike) Bodine, of Dubuque, and Janis Richard, of Madison; a son-in-law, Jim (Kris Smith) Swenson, of Dubuque; a sister, Jeanette Klaas, of Platteville; a brother, Larry (Diana) Richard, of Mineral Point; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Richard and Vi (Bob) Necker, both of Kieler; a brother-in-law, Merlyn Kuhl, of Clinton, IA; and thirteen grandchildren, Jay, Shawn, Nate, Caitlan, Jacob, Makayla, Alison, Ethan, Ella Jane, Connor, Kellen, Elijah, and Jonah. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jane Swenson; a son, Paul Richard; three sisters, Dorothy Klaas Alt, Carol Campbell and Violet Kuhl; three brothers, Bob, Jim, and Tom Richard; a sister-in-law Mary Richard; and two brothers-in-law, Bob and Merlin Klaas. The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and their entire staff for loving John like family. Their support provided much comfort. A John V. Richard Memorial Fund has been established by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.