Richard "Diesel Dick" Saunders, age 85 of Browntown, died October 17, 2016 at UW Hospital in Madison. He was born on October 6, 1931 in Monroe, the son of Edward and Mathilda (Sonderegger) Saunders. He attended Monroe schools.
He married Patricia DeVoe in 1951. He later married Elaine Rumelhagen in 1977; she died in 1982. Dick and Doreen (Taylor) DiTulio were married September 21, 1985.
He is survived by his wife Doreen, his children Cheryl (Dale Hexom) of LaCrosse and Joe (Jacque) Saunders of Oregon, IL. - Grandchildren Braden (Claudia) Hexom and Lacie Hexom - Great Grandsons Rowen and Reese Hexom.
He is survived by stepsons Mike (Lavonn) DiTulio, Jim (Theresa) DiTulio and John (Heidi Schmoldt) DiTulio. Step Grandchildren: Travis, James, Nick, Anamarie DiTulio and Ashley (DiTulio) Poppy and Great Granddaughter Eden Poppy.
Dick is survived by two brothers Tom (Ann) of Monticello and Gene (Lila) of New Glarus. Preceding him in death were brother Francis/Sandy (Maybelle) Saunders and four sisters: Theresa Phillips, Kathryn Cosgrove, Betty Busser & Leona (infant).
Dancing was a big part of Dick & Doreen's life. They met on the dance floor and still danced until a few months ago when his illness became too great. Their honeymoon was spent in Switzerland with the Roger Bright's band. Dick celebrated his birthday at the Octoberfest in Munich.
Dick enjoyed his horses and had them most of his life. Saunders Carriage Service and his cherished teams were proudly part of many weddings, anniversaries and birthday parties.
Dick loved a parade but was truly in his glory when he could be in it with either his horses, his 1966 T-Bird convertible or his favorite John Deere 730 tractor. Dick was a "talker" who loved to "visit" and never met a stranger. He will now be spending his time in heaven visiting with his old buddies who have gone before him.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 21, 2016 at SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home with Pastor Mary Gafner officiating. Burial will be in Calvary cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday, October 20th, from 4-7 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mooseheart Child City or the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.
He married Patricia DeVoe in 1951. He later married Elaine Rumelhagen in 1977; she died in 1982. Dick and Doreen (Taylor) DiTulio were married September 21, 1985.
He is survived by his wife Doreen, his children Cheryl (Dale Hexom) of LaCrosse and Joe (Jacque) Saunders of Oregon, IL. - Grandchildren Braden (Claudia) Hexom and Lacie Hexom - Great Grandsons Rowen and Reese Hexom.
He is survived by stepsons Mike (Lavonn) DiTulio, Jim (Theresa) DiTulio and John (Heidi Schmoldt) DiTulio. Step Grandchildren: Travis, James, Nick, Anamarie DiTulio and Ashley (DiTulio) Poppy and Great Granddaughter Eden Poppy.
Dick is survived by two brothers Tom (Ann) of Monticello and Gene (Lila) of New Glarus. Preceding him in death were brother Francis/Sandy (Maybelle) Saunders and four sisters: Theresa Phillips, Kathryn Cosgrove, Betty Busser & Leona (infant).
Dancing was a big part of Dick & Doreen's life. They met on the dance floor and still danced until a few months ago when his illness became too great. Their honeymoon was spent in Switzerland with the Roger Bright's band. Dick celebrated his birthday at the Octoberfest in Munich.
Dick enjoyed his horses and had them most of his life. Saunders Carriage Service and his cherished teams were proudly part of many weddings, anniversaries and birthday parties.
Dick loved a parade but was truly in his glory when he could be in it with either his horses, his 1966 T-Bird convertible or his favorite John Deere 730 tractor. Dick was a "talker" who loved to "visit" and never met a stranger. He will now be spending his time in heaven visiting with his old buddies who have gone before him.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 21, 2016 at SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home with Pastor Mary Gafner officiating. Burial will be in Calvary cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday, October 20th, from 4-7 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mooseheart Child City or the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.