Richard James Handrahan

Richard James Handrahan, 75 of Danbury, Wisconsin was born on February 21, 1940 and passed away on December 13, 2015 peacefully at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was a strong man with a gentle soul, loved deeply by all.  He will be greatly missed.

Rich was born in Amery, WI.  He grew up in Amery, St. Croix Falls, Star Prairie and New Richmond, WI, graduating High School in New Richmond.  Rich went on to Barber School in Eau Claire and worked in Ellsworth as a Barber.

In March of 1963, Rich was drafted into the United States Army.  He rose to the rank of Specialist E-4.  Some of his decorations include becoming a M-14 Rifle expert and a chemical specialist.  Rich always spoke fondly of his time in the service, stating, “They were some of the best years of his life”.

Rich then worked at the Andersen Corporation in Bayport, MN.  He started his career at Andersen’s working on the lines, then promoted to mechanic where he serviced the machinery and ended his 32 year career running the Time Management Department.

In November of 2004, he married Julie Demars in Las Vegas, NV and together they enjoyed 11 years of marriage making their home north of Danbury, WI.  Rich and Julie loved their “Little Piece of Heaven”, working on their garden/orchard, landscaping around their new home, traveling, hunting, cutting wood, enjoying all the wildlife and of course, picking blueberries and watching his beloved “Green Bay Packers”.  Rich loved his family most of all!

Rich leaves to celebrate his memory: wife, Julie A. Handrahan, Danbury, WI; son, Jim (Lisa) Handrahan, Amery, WI; daughters, Pam Walen, Hammond, WI; Tammy (Todd) Odell, Somerset, WI, stepsons, Chris (Katrina) Brennan, Superior, WI, Ryan Brennan, Las Vegsas, NV, grandchildren: Nathan McConnel, Nicole (Jason) Hagedorn, Rapid City, SD; Bradley Walen, William Walen, Hammond, WI; Josh (Kelsey) Handrahan, Cody Handrahan, Amery, WI; Makayla (Zach) Serres, Wionna, MN; Makenzie Odel, Cameron Odel, Ella Odel, Somerset, WI; great grandchildren, Hunter Handrahan, Troy Handrahan, Sophie Handrahan, Amery, WI; Racina Hagedorn, Colton Hagedorn, Rapid City, SD; Baby Serres, Winona, MN, aunts, Rosemary Springer, New Richmond, WI, Betty Bottolfson, New Richmond, WI; uncles, Tim Sullivan, New Richmond, WI; Norman  (Cheryl) Sullivan, Arkansas, many special cousins and other loving family and friends.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents: James and Vivian Handrahan, sister, Baby Handrahan and grandson, Jordan Handrahan.

A Memorial Service for Rich will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at West Immanuel Lutheran Church, 447 180 ^th Street, Osceola, WI  54020.  Rich’s family will greet visitors at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.  Following the service the family invites their guests to join them for lunch and fellowship at the church.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.