Richard W. Roberts

Richard W. Roberts, 88, of Coon Valley died Friday April 1, 2011 at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse. He was born in Tarporley, England on August 7, 1922 to John and Florence (Baxter) Roberts. Richard served from 1942 to 1947 in the British Army during World War II as part of the Royal Artillery. His tours of duty included France, Germany and Holland. In 1949 he immigrated to the U.S. and moved to Coon Valley to live with his sister Anne (Tug) Olson. On July 5, 1955 Richard married Stena Ode in Spring Grove, Minnesota. Richard worked at Norplex in La Crosse for many years until retirement. The couple then moved to the state of Washington and Richard lived there for several years after Stena died. About 8 years ago Richard returned to Coon Valley again to live with his sister and brother-in-law.

Richard enjoyed trout and salmon fishing and he had a special talent for gardening - especially rose gardening.

Survivors include his sister Anne Olson of La Crosse, a stepson Richard (Carmen) Ode of Seattle, Washington, 6 step grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Stena; a stepson Philip Ode; 3 sisters Elizabeth Barbrook, Florence Astbury and Doris Chandler; 2 brothers, John and Edward; a sister in infancy, Dorothy; 2 nephews Anthony Olson and Ron Rudie and a special brother-in-law Thoralf "Tug" Olson.