Obit: Bird, Richard John (1945 - 2017)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bird, Pagenkopf, Lewin, Boyer

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/03/2017

Bird, Richard John (1 December 1945 – 27 April 2017) With Flag

Richard John Bird, 71, spread his wings and flew to a better place Thursday, April 27, 2017, after being cared for at home by his loving family and friends. Richard was born Dec. 1, 1945, in Marshfield to Ernest and Theola (Pagenkopf) Bird. Richard graduated from Neillsville High School in 1965. Following graduation, Richard served his country proudly until 1969 in the United States Marine Corps. He served three tours in Vietnam with the 1st Marine division, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.

Richard held a variety of jobs throughout his life and spent most of his time dairy and hobby farming. In his free time and following his retirement in 2007, he loved putting puzzles together, feeding and watching birds, four-wheeling with family and special friends, helping a dear friend with farm work, visiting with friends and mowing yard with great attention to detail.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Lewin) Bird; daughters Maria Bird of Eau Claire, Amanda Bird of Florida, and Jessie Bird of Greenwood; one brother, Robert Bird of Alaska; and one sister Barbara (Dave) Boyer. Two grandchildren Kai and Malia further survive him; cousins, brother-and-sister-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and nephew Chris Boyer.

A Celebration of Richard’s life will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2017, at the American Legion Post #73 in Neillsville.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either the Chris Boyer Memorial Fund (www.chrisboyermemorial.com)  in honor of his nephew or the Vietnam Veterans of America (www.vva.org) .

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Richard’s family with funeral arrangements..