Richard Wanless

Sun Prairie - Richard L. Wanless, age 69, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016, at his home in Sun Prairie. He was born on May 12, 1947, in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of William and Bea (Vulk) Wanless. Richard was Arizona's Polio Poster Boy in 1953. He graduated from Oregon High School in 1965. He started working for WPS in 1968 and retired in 2012. Richard married Ruth Graf in August of 1993. Throughout his life he volunteered with many organizations and was very involved with Wheelchair Basketball. Richard was the founder and president of both the Madison Wheelchair Athletics and the Wisconsin Wheelchair Basketball Association. He played and coached for the Mad City Bombers Team. He was an Alderperson for the City of Sun Prairie for 14 years. Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, playing cards and most of all spending time with his sons and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth K. Wanless; children, Robert (Ute) Wanless and Matthew (Annie) Wanless; grandchildren, Natasha, Lillian and Alex; step-children, Greg Graf, Tammy Graf and Monte (Amber) Graf, brother, Wayne Wanless; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, on Thursday, December 22, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Dean Howell officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Friends of the Sun Prairie Public Library, 1350 Linnerud Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. Richard's family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare, Sun Prairie EMS and St. Mary's Hospital for all the wonderful care he received.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie
(608) 837-9054