Dewey Kress McMickle Jr.

Dewey Kress McMickle, Jr. of Madison passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at the age of 85. Dewey was born in Chicago on March 3, 1924 to Dewey and Violet (Bonniwell) McMickle.   Dewey is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marjory, and their three children, Laura, of Baraboo, Kevin, and Karen (known as Lucy) (Steve) Lodgen, of Madison, five grandchildren, Nicholas and Noelle Sander, Becky and Emily Lodgen, and Elyon McMickle, and three brothers, William (Jane), Hal, and John (Rosemary), and an uncle, Irving Bonniwell. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Thomas.   Dewey attended school in Downer's Grove, IL and New Lisbon, WI before enlisting in the Army in 1943 to serve in WWII where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart among other service awards. He established his family in Oconomowoc, where he worked as a bookkeeper, and then in Madison for the state of WI until his retirement, when he fortuitously discovered his passion for running. On the spur of the moment, then 55-year old Dewey joined a throng of runners competing in the Madison Crazy Legs 10K, never dreaming it would mark the beginning of his running career. He quickly became an enthusiastic contender, usually winning his age bracket, setting many records, and seriously competing in all 48 contiguous states. Although he was an avid runner, he never ran to train for races; however, Dewey thought nothing of walking to anywhere he wanted to go in the city, habitually walking up to 10 miles a day.   With his affinity for numbers, Dewey would readily cite his race times, race events, and those of fellow runners. He also tracked statistics for many other interests, including finances, the Chicago Cubs, oil prices, car mileage, nutritional contents, and even weather temperatures. He liked listening to public radio, following politics, and enjoyed jazz, early Delta Blues, and Jay McShann's music.   A family gathering will be held. The Cress Funeral Home is assisting the family.