Obituary
Richard “Rick” Bury
Richard “Rick” Bury, 67, of La Crosse died Wednesday, October 14 at Gundersen Health System. He died with family at his side. Rick was born December 21, 1952 to Arthur “Archie” and Lucille (Look) Bury in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from Oak Creek High School in 1970 and attended UW-La Crosse. He worked for G. Heileman Brewing Company, Kratt Lumber, Wenonah Canoes, and Ace Hardware.
He is survived by his former spouse Jennifer (Ellingson) Bury; their daughter, Amy Bury (Andrew Heder), of Los Angeles, CA, and their son, Ben, of La Crescent, MN; his sisters Elaine (Erickson) of Jamestown, CA and Karen (Sweeney) of Muskego, WI; his brother-in-law, Russ Gubernot and his wife Kathy of Evansville, IN; his nieces, Jill (Sweeney) Inglis of Park Ridge, IL, Megan (Sweeney) Grotts of Wheaton, IL, Kim Gubernot of St. Paul, MN, and Julie Dinapoli of Sonora, CA; and his nephews Kevin Gubernot of Mukwonago, WI and Jeff Erickson of Lakewood, WA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Janis (Gubernot), two brothers-in-law, Ron Erickson and Joe Sweeney; his fiancé Carol Joyce “Cookie” Damman; and several aunts and uncles.
Rick enjoyed camping, going fishing, and wood working. He also enjoyed watching live music and dancing. In times of sobriety in his life, he enjoyed the fellowship of AA.
Thank you to the doctors and nurses who cared for Rick.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
So sorry for your loss, he will be missed and I will always remember him as always smiling.
Our entire family is morning the loss. He was an amazing neighbor and friend
I was sorry to see Rick in the obituaries this morning. I first got to know him when he helped me with a remodel while he was at Kratt Lumber. He made me feel like a friend right off. Whenever I saw him at ACE, it was like two old buddies meeting. He knew his stuff and was concerned with helping.
You have my sympathy.
so sad ! I have many great memories we made together working @ the brewery! my deepest sympathy for the family!
I was so sad to hear about Rick’s death. I worked close with him in the INDUSTRIAL area of ACE in La Crosse. He always had a smile on his face and a happy outlook on life. He was a great asset. He was a better friend than most. He gave me a “spider plant” and many other items only because he knew I loved house plants. He was just that sort of person. The plants are growing better than an I have ever had. I wish I had known he was sick. My soul is saddened by his loss! Rest in Peace my dear friend. Vicki
Anyone who was blessed to be in the presence of Rick was able to experience his warm and loving heart. He was a fraternity brother but more so, a true friend. He was always there for support when you needed it and granted anyone favors and a helping hand no matter the task. If everyone had his smile and gift of giving love the world would be a much better place. Rest in peace my friend, you more than deserve it.
Dennis K. Wolf
He has blessed the Sime family tremendously. My sister was his partner for the last 10 years or so, before she passed away. She was not in good health for most of those years, and Rick took care of her with all of his heart. We were always going to go fishing, but never made it. (let that me a lesson to you and me). He always talked with a smile, and was a great handyman. We love you Rick and will be greatly missed.
I was very saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. He had a big heart & a contagious smile. He was soooo good to my wonderful friend & sponsor Cookie ❤ Those 2 were two peas in a pod & were so meant to be together. I know they will be dancing together now up in Heaven. My condolences to the Bury & Sime family. Rick will be missed by many! Kris Newman
rick and I were friends and fraternity brothers at lacrosse state univ. back in the hippy days. he definitely belonged in the “free spirit” world. there are a handful of people that iv’e met that never had a bad word to say about anyone. rick is one of these special people. he cared more about other’s feelings than he did his own. always funny and fun to be around….that was rick. rick was a total selfless person. I can’t come up with the “kindest words” suitable in describing him. you all know what I mean, right? when it comes to describing rick’s ability to communicate and his presence when with people, rick was as close to PERFECT as anyone that I have ever met. farewell, old buddy….. I am blessed and proud to be a friend of yours. “yitb” (yours in the bond)…….George elkinton
So sorry to hear of the passing of Rick. Went to UW-LaCrosse with Rick and was his Pledge Brother and Fraternity Brother. Met Rick the 1st week of our freshman year in the dorm and immediately bonded with him since he was from Oak Creek and I was from Milwaukee. Knew right away upon meeting him he was sincere, caring and always happy as was displayed by his enormous smile. He was always there to help in anyway he could. Truly a fine person and gentleman. May the lord be with him and all his family members.
Rick was a great guy, unassuming, sweet and kind. We lived together on Pine St during our crazy college years. He would do anything for you and always had that great smile. He will be missed by all he touched, I have really been taken back that he’s gone…
Our sympathy and thoughts to Ricks family. He was a good neighbor and we have many fond memories of him, his smile and family. Rest In Peace Rick.
Mr dear Rick you were the most selfless person I have ever met . You were so caring and loving to my dear friend Cookie. She loved you so much and now you both can be together again. I wish I would have known you were in trouble with your health and I would have been there to help you. You have always been so giving of yourself even when it took you down. You have always been a good man and there to help everyone if you could. Rest in peace together, love you both.
I met Rick when he started dating Cookie and our friendship with him remained throughout the years. Rick and Cookie lived with Dan and I for awhile and he was always ready to Lend a helping hand. Even though we lost touch the last few years he was always in our thoughts and will be missed.