Donald Allen Richardson, 80, passed away on Oct. 21, 2023, at Christian Community Homes (CCH) in Hudson, Wis.
Born to Lee and Vern (Dahl) Richardson, Don grew up in Spring Valley, Wis. His early years were filled with treasured moments and enduring friendships. Upon graduating from Spring Valley High School in 1961, he joined the US Navy, embarking on many adventures including time as a medic on the USS Pine Island in Japan. Returning to Wisconsin four years later, he attended UW-River Falls, where he rekindled his connection with Mary Hyde of Hammond, Wis. The two were wed in 1966. He graduated college in 1969.
Professionally, Don made a significant impact as the Administrator of the American Heritage Care Center in Hammond, Wis. from 1980-1997, showing genuine compassion for residents and staff.
His infectious smile and warm personality made him easy to like. He cherished time with family and friends, enjoyed sports, golf, card games, fishing, hunting, and making art. He was a devout Catholic actively engaged in various parishes.
Don’s children, daughter Angie (Derek) Hubbard and son Chris (Jaime), value the lessons of generosity and gratitude he instilled in them.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Mary Jo Spence, Dave Richardson, Bob Smith, and brother-in-law David Reese.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren: Emily, Sarah, Anna, Logan, Dylan, and Ella, siblings and in-laws: Bob (Mary Ann) Richardson, Susan Reese, Bill (Julie) Richardson, Russ Spence, and Sandy Thompson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the CCH staff for their care during Don’s challenging years living with Alzheimer’s disease and to Lakeview Hospice for their compassion in his final weeks.
Following a private burial, a Celebration of Life is scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 at the Spring Valley Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Don’s memory can be made to the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s (https://give.wiscmedicine.org/donrichardson) or CCH (checks to CCHS at 1320 Wisconsin St, Hudson, WI 540
