Kenneth Raymond Richardson

Kenneth “Ken” Raymond Richardson, 75, of Belton, SC, formerly of Potosi, WI, passed away on December 8, 2025 at McCall’s Hospice House in Simpsonville, SC, surrounded by his family. Ken was born on October 30, 1950 in Cuba City, WI, to Levi and Elizabeth “Betty” (Patzner) Richardson. He graduated from Potosi High School in 1968, and married his high school sweetheart Dianna Mezera on July 26th, 1969. He was drafted and served his country in the Vietnam War from 1970-1971, receiving several awards and honors, including a bronze star, for his service and bravery on the frontlines. He then returned to southwest Wisconsin, where he raised his family and valued the time spent watching his family grow.

Ken was an amazing carpenter: building, remodeling and making projects for himself, his family, and pretty much anyone who asked. His children and grandchildren were never afraid to ask for his creativity to bring their ideas to life, and in his own words “I never met a piece of wood I couldn’t make something from.” Ken had a love for the outdoors, though his body kept him limited. He enjoyed spending time watching pro-football, camping and sitting around the campfire with Dianna and anyone else who wanted to join them, and if he had his choice, he would have lived out the rest of his days on the lake in his fishing boat.

Though Ken was not always perfect, he left a legacy behind him, always striving to instill his strong family values of respect, perseverance, loyalty, and most of all love in all those who came after him.

Ken is survived by his wife Dianna, his children Jennifer (Kevin) Kujawa of Greenwood, WI, Jeremy (Wendy) Richardson of Belton, SC, and Julia (Ryan) Schaller of Potosi, WI, and his grandchildren Jacob (Josslyn) Richardson of Belton, SC, Allen (Chloe) Richardson of Piedmont, SC, and Jordyn Robinson and Lucas Schaller, both of Potosi, WI. Also surviving are his siblings Roger Richardson, Mark (Paula) Richardson, Lora (Jim) Siegert, Janis (Larry) Udelhofen, his mother-in-law Ruth Mezera, sisters-in-law Vanessa (Timothy) Rosseter, Karen Schlichtmann, and Ellen Craig, brothers-in-law Michael (Doreen) Mezera, and Kyle (Avis) Shaw, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He is also survived by his puppy Clinton Samuel Richardson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Betty and Levi, his father-in-law William Mezera, sister Veronica Shaw, brothers-in-law Nicholas Hill, Randall Mezera, and Charlie Winter, and sisters-in-law Geraldine Winter and Theresa Richardson.

A private immediate-family graveside service followed by a public celebration of life will be held at a later date.