Levi E. "Lee" Richardson

 Levi E. "Lee" Richardson, age 82, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2010 at his home after a courageous six year battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 4, 1927, the son of James and Alverna (Kress) Richardson in Potosi , WI . Lee was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1945 and was stationed in Korea until his honorable discharge in 1947. He was united in marriage to Betty Patzner on August 24, 1948 at  St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson. In addition to farming, Lee also worked for the Potosi Lead Mine and Potosi Brewery.

Lee enjoyed spending time on the river, especially camping and fishing with his family and friends. He was also an avid reader. Together, with his wife, Betty, they traveled to  Hawaii , California , Scotland and England to visit their daughter, Vicki. Lee was a member of the American Legion Post #473 of Potosi and was a member of St. Andrew in Tennyson, where he participated during mass.

Lee is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty; five children: Roger (Theresa) Richardson, Platteville, Ken (Dianna) Richardson, Potosi, Mark (Paula) Richardson, Potosi, Janis (Larry) Udelhofen, Lancaster and Lora (Jim) Siegert, Peosta, IA; 15 grandchildren: Scot Freiburger, Tracy (Dawayne) Champion, Ricky (Angie) Richardson, Tina Richardson, Roger J. Richardson, Jennifer (Kevin) Kujawa, Jeremy (Wendy) Richardson, Julia Richardson, Mike (Becky) Richardson, Matthew Richardson, Marty Richardson, Jamie Udelhofen, Alexis and Shane Straka, Logan and Lindsey Siegert; 13 great-grandchildren: Jade Freiburger, Kaleb, Ian and Sklya Champion, Brandon, Brooke and Preston Richardson, Noah Richarson, Jacob and Allan Richardson, Jordyn Robinson, Joseph Levi Richardson and Noah Ambrosy; a son-in-law, Kyle (Avis) Shaws, Yuma, AZ; four brothers and one sister: Louis (Betty) Richardson,  Dodgeville, Charlie (Pat) Richardson, Racine, Jim (Judy) Richardson, Fennimore, Ron (Ruth) Richardson, Platteville and Linda Simmons, Belmont; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Veronica Vicki Shaw and a sister, Esther Robinson.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson with Father Richard Leffler officiating. Burial was held in St. Andrew Cemetery , Tennyson with Military honors accorded by the Berg Averkamp VFW Post No. 5276 and the American Legion Post. 473, both of Potosi . Family and friends were welcome from  3:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 11, 2010, where there was a scripture wake service at 3:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services Tuesday at the Martin Funeral Home.

The family wishes to extend a thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Grant County Hospice. They would also like to especially thank Tracy for her loving support and her devotion to her grandfather and family during this difficult time.