Jack DeCoverly Richardson, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday Oct. 18, 2017 at his residence, The Creste at Village Pointe Commons, Grafton, Wisconsin.
He is survived by his two daughters, Carol (Dan) Richardson McCoy and Julia (Eric) L. McNally, as well as his grandchildren Reed, Carly, and Jamie McCoy, and Eva and Chase McNally. He was preceded in death earlier this year by his devoted wife of 60 years, Beverly J. Richardson (6/10/17), and his daughter, Lori Ann Richardson (3/11/17). Jack is also survived by his sister-in-law, Virginia Mason; his cousin, Constance Faye Hill; and three nephews, William, Richard, and Bruce Mason, as well as loving cousins and dear friends.
Jack was born in Oak Park, Illinois on August 3, 1930, the only child of Richard and Elizabeth Richardson. He graduated from the University of Illinois in1954with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, where he also participated in the Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps. Jack received an honorable discharge in 1956, after two years of active duty.
In 1957, Jack was introduced to Beverly Mason by her brother Lloyd, who lived across the street. Beverly and Jack were married on May 4, 1957, and later became long-time residents of Bensenville, Illinois. Jack worked for many years as a government contracts supervisor in the truck and tractor parts sector, working primarily in downtown Chicago. After retirement, he used his business skills to assist Beverly in her small-business venture, TherAdaptProducts. Jack served on the Elmhurst District 3 School Board of Education from 1969-74. He also served as President of Duna Vista Homeowner’s Association, Pentwater, Michigan, where he and his family spent their summers. Jack was an avid reader, and also enjoyed vegetable gardening and singing in the church choir.
In 2007, Jack and Beverly relocated to Cedarburg to be closer to family. They enjoyed their time living in the community of Cedar Reserve, as well as the past few years as residents of Lasata Crossings, before moving to Village Pointe Commons earlier this year. They were warmly embraced by the congregation and both Pastors Franz Rigert and Ashley Nolte at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, as well as Pastor Janis Kinens at his Lasata worship service. Sincere and heartfelt thanks go out to the staff at Village Pointe Commons and Heartland Hospice, as well as friends and staff at Lasata Crossings, and especially for their caregiver Rita Brounson, for their assistance and loving support during Jack and Bev’s final years together.
Jack’s whimsical and inquisitive nature made him a pleasure to be around. His grandchildren fondly remember his offhand “Hello World” greeting in the mornings.He encouraged his daughters and his grandchildren to pursue their education and to follow their dreams. Jack’s greatest joy came from doing for others and giving of his time and energy. His love for his family was wholehearted and constant, borne out in his endless generosity. Jack served as an example of gentleness, kindness, and patience–the embodiment of love–to all who knew him.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017 at Pilgrim UCC, Grafton, WI, at 2 p.m. The family will receive guests until 1 p.m., until the time of service, with the committal immediately following at Woodlawn Cemetery, Grafton. Mueller Funeral Home of Cedarburg will assist with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please honor Jack’s memory via a donation to Pilgrim UCC,or the Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org. For online condolences please go to www.muellerfuneralhome.com.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”Henry David Thoreau
