Richard T. Devine

Richard T. “Dick” Devine, 87, died on December 21, 2020, at his home in La Crosse.

Richard was born in La Crosse on January 28, 1933, to Fredrick and Elaine (Panke) Devine. He married Patricia Ann David on February 8, 1958, at St. James the Less Catholic Church in La Crosse.

As a teenager, Dick was given his first job working alongside Bruno Schlicht in the neighborhood butcher shop. He enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War. After his service he returned to La Crosse, and met and married the love of his life, Patricia David. Together they had seven children, six boys, and then one daughter, his “caboose”. He continued to work his trade as a butcher at Farley’s on La Crosse’s north side; and he was an expert in his craft. He enjoyed spending time with his sons, hunting and fishing. Dick loved cooking and baking for his family; Sunday dinners and hosting holidays were his dearest traditions, and later in life he welcomed our daily drop in’s with a hot pot of coffee and fresh oatmeal raisin cookies. He enjoyed spending time with his extended family at Sam’s Bar.

In his prime, Dick was an active member of the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 in La Crosse, having served on the Executive Committee there for many years, and he would eventually become Commander of that post. He did a lot of cooking, there too; steak fry’s and charcoal chicken were his specialties, and he and his wife, Pat, spent many Sunday afternoons there playing cards with their many friends and family. He enjoyed spending time on St. Patrick’s Day at the American Legion with close family and friends.

In 2016, Dick and his oldest son, Tim, went together on the trip of a lifetime as passengers on the Freedom Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

Dick will be most remembered for his devotion to family and his faith. He was a devout Roman Catholic and a lifelong member of St. James the Less Catholic Church, where he spent many years serving as Lay Minister and Usher alongside his Uncle Gerald Devine.

Richard leaves behind his loving family; his five sons, Timothy (Leah) of Holmen, David (Letitia) of Onalaska, Bryan (Christine) of La Crosse, Michael (Sandra) of La Crosse, and Anthony (Carolynn) of La Crescent, Minnesota; his daughter, Christine (Matthew) Haefner of Fayetteville, Georgia; one daughter-in law, Connie (Gavin) Devine of West Salem; 16 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Anne (Bill) Dunn, and Noreen (Le Roy) Carlson of La Crosse; his brothers, Robert (Carol) Devine of Rockford, Illinois, and Donald (Cindy) Devine of Onalaska; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy, Mary Lou, and Linda Devine of La Crosse; and Lee Rudie of Coon Valley. Dick will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia on May 23, 2010; his son, Patrick F. Devine on July 25, 1999; and his siblings Mary Rudie, Joanne (Oscar) Sagen, Ed, Frank, John, and Patrick Devine.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 in St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia St., La Crosse. Rev. James Altman will officiate. Burial with Military Honors performed by the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post. No. 52 will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass at Church on Tuesday.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

“Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”