Richard Creager

Richard Creager, 89, died March 31, 2016. LACROSSE Richard Clarence Creager, age 89, died on Thursday March 31, 2016 at Bethany Riverside Nursing Facility in Lacrosse. Richard was born in Grand Rapids, MI on March 4, 1927 to Clarence C. and Lucile (Mattleson) Creager. Richard was much more than a high school graduate who loved education. He earned a Bachelors degree in Chemistry followed by his Masters in Business Administration, MBA. This helped his career in quality control industrial engineering for several diverse chemical and manufacturing businesses. He later went back to school to get his second Masters degree, this time in education, prior to living in Japan from 1979 to 1994 where he taught English as a second language. Some might say he had a degree in card playing as a Bridge Master as well. But, a true hobby, interest and lifelong passion was his love for Scouting. Richard loved boating and first attained the rank of Sea Scout Quartermaster with Specialties particularly excelling at every possible KNOT imaginable. He then went on to become an Eagle Scout, an Assistant Scoutmaster and an adult Commissioner in the BSA, including taking his children to Philmont. Along lifes journey he met and married two incredible women who have both preceded him in death. The first and mother to his children was Wilma Olm whom he married in 1950. The second was Mavis Aileen Steiner whom he married on June 26, 1976. He also served his country in the United States Air Force as a corporal. Richard was a long-time active member in practicing his faith in the Bahai religion. Richard is survived by his 3 children, Kimber Richter, Richard (Nita) Creager, and Jaryl (Susan) Creager, 6 grandchildren, Emily, Jennifer, Eric, Brian, Hannah and Carl, and 3 and counting great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Donald (Carol) Creager and Curtis Creager. He was preceded in death by his parents and both wives, Wilma and Mavis, and one sister Phyllis. Graveside funeral services and prayers were held privately by the family. There will be a Celebration of Life in the near future yet to be determined, but family and friends are encouraged to get in touch with the family concerning the upcoming occasion. In lieu of flowers or plants memorials may be directed to the Boy Scouts of America in Richards name or to the family for later distribution, Baha'is are encouraged to make a contribution in his name to the Baha'i Fund'.. On-line condolences may be left at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua is serving the family.