Obituary: Richard J. Crase

MADISON/ DeFOREST [Wisconsin] - Richard J. Crase, age 65, was born into eternal life on Thursday, March 15, 2001, after a courageous battle with cancer. Richard was born on July 22, 1935, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, the son of Victor and Frances (Meyer) Crase. He was a graduate of Madison Central High School and enlisted in the Air National Guard, where he received his training as a heavy equipment operator. On May 7, 1958, he married Mary Ann Wartner at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Madison. Richard was employed for more an 42 years at Dane County Regional Airport and retired on January 15, 2000, as an air field maintenance supervisor. He enjoyed working outdoors and his woodworking. Richard was a member of St. Olaf's Catholic Church in DeForest, Knights of Columbus and Capitol City VW Club, and a former member of St. Dennis Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. Survivors include three sons, Tim (Bonnie) Crase of Madison, John (Gretchen) Crase of Rio, and David (Lori) Crase of Madison; two daughters, Mary Jo (James) Revels of Portage, and Joan (Paul) Kunz of DeForest; eight grandchildren, Joseph, Suzanne and Nathaniel Crase, Nicholas and John Revels, and Elizabeth, Michael and Mary Jane Kunz; two sisters, Mary Ann (Stephen) Raynoha of Madison, and Marcella (Elroy) Croissant of Sheboygan; sister-in-law, Jane (Robert) Rule of Crystal Lake, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at ST. OLAF'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 623 Jefferson St., DeForest, on Sunday, March 18, 2001, at 3:30 p.m. Father Gary Wankerl and Father Daniel Finnane will officiate. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Graveside services will be on Monday, March 19, 2001, at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Madison, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Olaf's Building Fund. Richard was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by all. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608)249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 17, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)