Richard Richardson, 71, of Davenport, passed away on Friday July 5, 2013 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service for Mr. Richardson will be held at the Runge Mortuary, Davenport, on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 11:30 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be made to the family of Mr. Richardson. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.
Richard R. Richardson was born on November 6, 1941, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a son of Ora and Rachael Richardson. He married Mary (Kyle) Baetke on October 20, 1978, in Davenport, Iowa. In his early years, Richard worked for Oscar Mayer in Davenport. He later relocated to Denver, Colorado, and was employed by King Soopers Grocery Chain until his retirement.
Richard was a guy’s guy in many ways, but he had a heart of gold. He wore his emotions and feelings deep. For those who knew him, it was his grimace and no-holds-barred attitude that made him so likable. Yes, Richard could be reserved and quiet, but it was his grimace and laugh that gave him away as someone who was generous, funny and loving. Richard’s love for animals went beyond his beloved domestic animals, whether that be his loud-mouthed parrot, TaTa or his beloved Ralphie and Shorty from long ago, but it extended to wild creatures. His love of nature did not always translate into hiking trips, camping or canoeing, but when a bald eagle or hawk made way into his backyard or the open space beyond his Colorado home, he was all smiles. There were too many nights to count when he fell asleep reading. Reading was his beloved hobby, but he was not against watching an action flick or box office thriller, as he loved renting movies and occasionally making his way to the theater. Richard’s love for his wife, Mary, was certainly evident among anyone who knew them. Their 35 year love was a companionship that never wavered, no matter the pitfalls. What mattered most is, despite Richards passing, their love will continue. His heart of gold will ring within Mary’s mind and soul but so will his quiet nature and demure attitude that was always matched with his grimace. Richard was an avid reader, loved nature and animals, and cherished his trips to Central City with his son Rod, where he enjoyed gambling. Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and his grandchildren, as well as his dogs, Lucy and Bella. Those celebrating Richards’s life include his loving wife, Mary, his children, Rodney (Alma) Richardson, Ryan (Lorie) Richardson, Rex Richardson, and Rick (Jenny) Richardson, his step-children Robin Baetke, Marci (Jeff) Hamilton, and Brad (Barbara) Baetke, his brothers Ken (Chris) Richardson and Tom Richardson, as well as his eighteen grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
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