Richard Saunders

1932 - 2020

Saunders, Richard C.

BRADENTON, Fla./MAZOMANIE/EDGERTON - Richard C. Saunders, age 88, of Bradenton, Fla., and Mazomanie, Wis., formerly of Edgerton, Wis., died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, at his home in Bradenton. He was born in Edgerton on May 8, 1932, the son of the late Charles and Mary Lenora (Babcock) Saunders. Following high school graduation he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Richard married Donna Rae B. Meseberg on Oct. 13, 1956, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, La Crosse. He worked as a tool and die maker for the University of Wisconsin-Madison for many years. Richard enjoyed golfing, gardening, woodworking, traveling, hunting, and fishing, but you could always find him around a bonfire with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Rae; five children, Marie (Dean Hiracheta) Saunders of Apple Valley, Minn., Kathleen (Bob) Brumley of Mazomanie, Sara Saunders of Apple Valley, Minn., Michael (Joanne) Saunders of Madison, and Timothy Saunders of Edgerton; daughter-in-law, Julie Saunders-Seegers of Burlington; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; three siblings, Priscilla Ann Kures of Bradenton, Lenora Kay Tellefson and Soren (Dean) Saunders, both of Edgerton; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Patrick Saunders; and his brother, Perry Saunders.

"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 15 at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, Edgerton. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Albion Township, with full military honors. Visitation will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the hour of Mass at church. Memorials in Richard's name may be made to American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or Arbor Tree Foundation. The family is being assisted by the Apfel Ehlert Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 315 Lord St., Edgerton, WI. For online condolences, visit www.apfelfuneral.com.