Richard Basil Toraason left us to meet his Eternal Father in heaven on April 26, 2017, with his loving wife Carol by his side. The youngest of five children, Richard was born on October 30, 1930 in Whitehall WI to Lynn and Annette (Strand) Toraason. They lived on the farm on Lone Star ridge, Blair WI and attended grade school there; Richard graduated from Blair High School in 1948.

Richard lived to serve; he worked on the family farm until he joined the army during the Korean Conflict in 1952.  He was honored on March 17, 2017 for his 60 years of service to the Blair American Legion where he volunteered at Legion Bingo; placed white crosses and flags on the veteran's grave sites for Memorial Day; and presented the colors at parades and other events.  He served the Blair community by his work on the ground work for the original community pool, and working in the Dug Out and chicken stand for the Cheese Festival.  He served the Blair Lutheran church with his work on the church council and at Lutefesk dinner.  He also assisted at the Tranberg Cancer benefit, created and donated many wooden items and Norwegian trolls for raffles and benefits, including 12 trolls he donated to the Blair city park.

Richard was discharged from the army in 1954 and returned to Blair to marry the love of his life, Carol Jean Olson on August 13, 1960 at First Lutheran Church.  They lived together in LaCrosse for 2 years, until purchasing their home in Blair.  Together they had two sons, Terry and Mark.  He started working for the State of Wisconsin, Department of Transportation in LaCrosse in September of 1955 as a maintenance supervisor of Trempeleau, Jackson and Buffalo counties until he retired in 1993. He made many lifelong friends during these years.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; sisters Lennice (Norman) Thompson and Ruth Reeves; brother Lyman Toraason; sister in law Lillian Olson Byers; nieces Sally Anderson and Nancy Thompson.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carol; his two sons, Terry (Patty) Toraason Oshkosh WI, Mark Toraason, Juneau WI; his grandchildren Briana (Matt), Katrina, Carsten and David Toraason; his sister Donna (Eldon) Friede and sisters in law Loraine Toraason, Betty (Raul) Suarez, Roseanne (Elwood) Knutson, Anita (Jim) Goplin; brother in law John Byers; step sister in law Beverly (Bob) Modahl; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank Vernon and Eileen Back, Gunderson Hospice and all the other wonderful people of the community who assisted Carol while she cared for Richard.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Blair Lutheran Church East with burial in the Rest Haven Cemetery both in Blair.  Pastor John Ashland will officiate.  Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Knudtson-Mattison American Legion Post #231.

Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday.

Please consider a memorial donation in lieu of flowers.

The Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.