Richard Grahn

Deerfield/Madison/Tomah- Richard A. Grahn, age 85, died at the Tomah VA Medical Center on May 30, 2016 after a long illness. He was born in Northern Wisconsin on April 15, 1931 to Alvin and Helen (Mooney) Grahn. Richard attended Deerfield High School and UW-Madison. He served his country in the Marine Corps from 1949-1952, then served in the Air Force from 1954-1955. Richard received a purple heart for injuries during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he was an Electrician and Electrical Design Engineer using his talents throughout Dane and neighboring counties, and in Disney World, Florida. Richard enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, photography, car racing, traveling, acting, and watching football. He was a founding/lifetime member of the Deerfield Gun Club, member of Madison Theatre Guild, on the Deerfield Village Board for one year, instrumental in the purchase of the land for a new Deerfield Elementary School, and was Travel Administrator for International Education Study Tours. Richard is survived by his friend and former wife, Elaine Staley; his children, Michael (Mary) Thom, Connie (David) Rowe, Richard M. Grahn (friend, Robin Stearn), and Fletcher Grahn (friend, Rita Damon); grandchildren, Rachel (Nathan) Greve, Emily Klammer, Brian Thom, Dale Thom, Jason (Kelly) Thom, Sara (Bradley) Lesniewski, and Matthew Thom; nine great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sisters, Polly Culver and Sandy Ward. A memorial gathering will be held from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Cress Funeral Home in Deerfield. A time for sharing memories of Richard will take place at noon. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Deerfield Public Library. The family would like to extend their thanks to the doctors and nurses at UW Hospital, Madison VA Hospital, and the Tomah VA Medical Center. Special thanks to all the staff members of the various units in which Richard lived at Tomah and especially the Hospice Unit. Please share your memories of Richard.
Cress Funeral Service
201 Bue Street
Deerfield, WI 53531
(608) 764-5369