Richard H. Cresswell

Richard H Cresswell, age 81, a resident of Madison, WI passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025. He was born October 18, 1943, in Worthington, MN to the late Phillip H. and Ruby Knapp Cresswell. Richard is survived by his constant companion, sole mate and partner, Susan Case, and her daughter, Erica. He is also survived by his only sibling, Donna Marton (Alex) of Glen Ellyn, IL; his two nieces, Catherine Marton (Elliott) of Camberley, United Kingdom, and Christine Krysowaty (Sean) of St Louis, MO and three great-nieces and three great-nephews; and many cousins.

Richard attended 8 different schools between K-12 and along the way he attained his Eagle Scout Award. A 1962 graduate of Appleton Senior High School, he received a BA from the University of Wisconsin in 1969. Upon graduation, Richard found a calling to Social Work and was a Chicago Public Aid Caseworker with the Illinois Department of Public Aid for 12 years. While in Chicago, he also graduated from the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute in 1977 teaching Tai Chi and volunteered for the Rainbow Coalition and Food Pantry. Upon moving back to WI, he was actively involved at Cornucopia, Inc and Lighthouse/Safehouse, Inc in Madison, WI where he called home over the last 40 years.

Richard was kindhearted, generous beyond measure, a jokester, a positive, faithful man, and a healing spirit of love. A musician, photographer, self-taught philosopher, and a protestor at heart. His beliefs can be heard in the words of his numerous songs which had spiritual overtones, seen in his photographs, and felt through his years of political demonstrations over national dilemmas. Richard stood firmly in his beliefs and enjoyed sharing them while performing at local coffee houses playing his guitar or through his special photography showings around Madison. He found comfort in nature and always sought out ways to better understand humankind and to discover ways that unite us all. He was a friend to all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Oak Park Place-East Nursing Home in Madison, WI at a date in October to be determined. Please contact the nursing home at 608-663-6800 for more information.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406