"I had the opportunity to meet Dick through Cinda and the annual McFarland Xmas party. It was easy to tell how much they loved each other and how much he loved life. He was a caring, gentle man who was easy to like within the first minute of meeting him. Prayers and thoughts to his family. God Speed Dick. Scott Klug"
In loving memory of
Richard D. Schwedrsky
July 26, 1949 - July 5, 2019
McFarland- Richard Dean Schwedrsky, age 69, died on Friday, July 5, 2019. He was born in Mauston on July 26, 1949, the son of Stephen and Ione (Robinson) Schwedrsky. Richard grew up in Baraboo and WI Dells and graduated from Royall High School in Elroy in 1967.
As a youth, he was involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Baraboo, earning the Eagle Scout Award in 1963. As an adult scouter, Richard was involved as a Webelo leader and Cub Master of Pack 145 in Madison. He was also Scoutmaster of Troop 132 in Madison, where he proudly awarded his son the Eagle Scout badge. Richard earned numerous awards and attended and taught leadership courses to young men and well as adult leaders. He was selected to be the Scoutmaster of Four Lakes Council troop that attended the National Jamboree in 1989 at Fort A.P. Hill, VA. Richard's final role in scouting was as Yahara District Chairman in the Four Lakes Council.
In 8th grade, Richard began working with his dad who was the manager at Kellogg Bros. Lumber Co. in WI Dells. He was employed in the building material industry for 50 years at Lumberman's Supply, Central Waubesa Lumber, Chase Lumber, and Brunsell Lumber Co. In his retirement he thoroughly enjoyed working as a courier for the Medicine Shoppe in McFarland.
Dick joined the McFarland Lions Club in 1984 and enjoyed serving the community. He held club offices of Tail Twister, Lion Tamer, Treasurer and President in addition to serving 11 years as club secretary. Dick was also involved at a district level as Zone Chair, Club Secretary trainer, Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer, District Governor 2015-2016, as well as other state offices. He was awarded the Birch-Sturm Fellowship, Melvin Jones Fellowship, Leadership Medal, Presidential Leadership Medal, Lions Dignity Award, and the District Excellence Award. Dick was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Legion at Edwards-Foye American Legion Post 534 in McFarland, serving as finance officer for many years.
Dick met the love of his life, Cinda Schneider at Madison Business College. They were married on July 11, 1970 in Beloit. Dick and Cinda had three children, Dennis (Karen) Schwedrsky, Rebecca (John) Gray, and Jessica Schwedrsky and five granddaughters, Rylee Schwedrsky, Emma Schwedrsky, Kynaeda Gray, Nadia Schwedrsky and Greysyn Gray. Dick would let his granddaughters get away with things that he never would allow his children to do and always had a soft spot in his heart for the girls. Dick is further survived by his sister, Jane (Terry) Ruehlow; brothers-in-law, Randall Schneider and David (Diana) Schneider; nephew, Brent (Amy) Ruehlow; niece, Danielle Schneider; and aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Dean and Dorothea Robinson and Earye and Winifred Schwedrsky; infant sister, Donna Jean; mother and father-in-law, Joyce and Edward Schneider; sister-in-law, Patricia Schneider; and niece, Kara Ruehlow.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 12, 2019 at McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland, with Rev. Kelli Schmit officiating. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon immediately following in the church fellowship hall. Private entombment will take place at Roselawn Mausoleum in Monona. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Cress Funeral Home in McFarland, and from 10:00 AM until the time of services at church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the McFarland Lions Club, PO Box 364, McFarland, WI, 53558. Dick's family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the UW Carbone Cancer Center, the staff of UW Hospital, especially floor B6/6, and the staff of Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg.
To my children and granddaughters:
Be not sorrowful that I am gone and my earthly life is done. Be not sad I passed away, for in you, my children and grandchildren, I live each day. There is a little of me in all of you. So, you see, I'll never be really gone. As long as there are children to carry on. I've had my share of love, sorrow and strife. I have lived a full and fruitful life. So do not mourn and do not weep, for I have entered this peaceful sleep. I have tried to live my life under the Boy Scout Motto: Be Prepared, and the Lions Club Motto: We Serve. Live your lives out this way.
Please share your memories of Richard by posting Tributes.
Cress Funeral Service
5801 Highway 51
McFarland, WI 53558
(608) 838-0655
Tributes
"I knew Dick a little from bowling at Spartan bowl. He always seemed cheerful and a had a great smile. He had an easy charm about him that made him fun to be around. I?ll miss him"
"Dear family of Mr. Schwedrsky, Please know that word of your husband, father, and grandfather?s passing reached Troop 132 while we started our annual week of Summer camp at Ed Brant Scout Reservation, formerly known as Camp Castle Rock, yesterday. Please take solace in knowing that we have raised a well worn American flag in his honor this morning and given it one last opportunity to represent our great country and the ideals that he stood for and modeled to countless youth. During today?s adult leader meeting, I shared his experience to all present and invited the camp to our site tonight at sunset where we will then lower this flag one last time and ?retire? this flag in a solemn ceremony where a new generation of Troop 132 Scouts and a record number of EBSR weekly Summer campers, will learn of his dedication and leadership to ?The Old Boot Troop!? and the Scouting Brotherhood, and now Sisterhood. As a token of our appreciation, our Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, who willingly volunteered to put together an honor guard upon his midweek return from Camp, for football practices, will be presenting this flag?s grommets to you, as a lasting memento of his legacy. My condolences and regret that I personally cannot be in attendance to pay my respects to a fellow Scoutmaster of Troop 132, which there have only been 12 of us so privileged, to date, since 1961. Per the Scoutmaster Benediction...? ?May the Great Scoutmaster of all true Scouts be with you till we meet again.? Yours truly in Scouting Service, Mark A. Wendricks Current Troop 132 Scoutmaster and fellow Eagle Scout. "
"I am so very sorry to learn of Dick's passing, I have thought of him often. Dick & I worked together at Brunsell Lumber. My very fondest memory of Dick is of his pocket protector which was always full of pens. He reminded me of my own father. Dick always had a great story to share and loved to talk about his wonderful community involvement and his love of family. Truly a loss.....Healing hugs to his family "
"Quite likely, one the THE best and loving obits I've ever read, especially the end. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. ~Rose Molz"
"The Lancaster Lions Club sends our deepest sympathy to you and your family as you deal with the loss of your loved one. Dick was truly dedicated to Lionism and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him."
"Our hearts go out to you and your family on the loss of such a special person. Dick had an enthusiasm and dedication that inspired those around him. He helped me learn the ropes of being a Lions Club secretary. Whenever I had a question or problem, Dick had the answer. He will be greatly missed. With our deepest sympathy, Ruth and Lee Rupnow"
"So very very sorry to hear of your loss. I am Jerry Zirk, formally of rural Kendall. Dick and I were high school buddies. I remember Dick always chipping in on buying some beer, but he would never drink any. We got reacquainted later in life, when I built a house in rural Mt. Horeb. He gave me a great deal on my kitchen cupboards. I always will remember that. So once again, so very sorry, I will not be able to be with you on Friday, as I have friends and relatives coming in from out of town. May God be with you thru this time and always. God Speed Dick. There are Scouts and Lions waiting for you in heavan. "
"PDG Bob and I will always have a special place in our hearts for Lion Dick. He was the original Enforcer for Bob during Bob's year as D1 District Governor, and Dick set the bar very high indeed for every club, district, and state afterward when it came to reporting activities! Bob and I both truly enjoyed the time spent with, and our conversations with Dick and will consider him a friend for the rest of our days. Dick touched many lives, will be sorely missed by all who knew him ."
"Dick was such a nice man; thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him over the years through various Lions activities. He exemplified the spirit if Lionism. Will sure miss seeing him around. So very sorry for your loss. "
"On behalf of all the members of the Muscoda Avoca Blue River Lions Club we wish to express our sincere condolences to Lion Dick's family. Lion Dick was a Lion to the bone. His dedication to Lionism will be missed. Deepest sympathies."
"Dick was a great guy and a wonderful Lion and District Governor. I always enjoyed my visits with Dick. He was a great volunteer and fried he will be missed by many. Rick Daluge"
"Cindy I think we bowled together way back Anyway you & family have my deepest
sympathy for your great loss May your husband's soul rest in peace"