Christoper D. Richardson

Rio - Christopher Dale Richardson "Po Boy" age 42 passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 in Rio, WI

He was born on September 21, 1972 in Urbana, IL to Ivan and Mary (Zindars) Richardson. He graduated from Urbana High School in 1990. He married Gae Duderstadt on November 15, 1997 and they moved to Wisconsin. Together they had two beautiful sons, Carson and Conner Richardson.

Chris owned a very successful catering business, Po' Boys BBQ & Catering in Rio, WI that continued to grow over the years.  He could take an idea or dream and turn it into a realty.  He was successful in anything he set out to do.  He was ambitious, motivated, confident and always had a positive attitude. He had such a way with people and you couldn't help but like him as soon as you met him. Chris worked hard and he played hard.

Chris had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest. He always saw the glass as "half-full." He had such a sense of humor and quick wit and would always have a joke or story to tell. He lived for adventure and was always up for anything. He couldn't wait for the opening day of snowmobile season. He loved going out to Colorado and Wyoming with his buddies to go mountain sledding.  Most of all, he loved spending time with his boys. Whether it was taking off in the motorhome for a trip, going snowmobiling, ATVing, boating, floating down the river, snow skiing or just staying home playing board games and cards. Anyone who knew Chris knew how competitive he was in the games Monopoly, Risk and Settler's of Catan. The boys loved spending time with their Dad and they were the love of their Dad's life.

Chris is survived by his parents Ivan and Mary Richardson of Urbana, IL, his two sons Carson and Conner of Rio, WI and their mother Gae Richardson of Rio, WI, whom he remained very close to and had a strong bond with. He is also survived by two brothers, Brian (Tami) Richardson of Homer, IL, Brad Richardson of Urbana, IL. and nieces and nephews Brandon, Cedar, Catherine, Drew, Tucker and Quinn Richardson. Chris loved his family beyond words and he will be so sadly missed by all of them.  

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 7 PM at Smith Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Rio, WI. Visitation will be held from 3 PM until the time of services. There will also be Chris' famous smoked pork served. He catered his own wedding, so he would certainly want to cater his own funeral as much as he could. There will also be services held in Urbana, IL with a visitation on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Renner's Wikoff Chapel in Urbana, IL from 5-8 PM. The funeral will be held Friday, July 10, 2015 at 10 AM at Renner's Wikoff Chapel in Urbana, followed by the burial at Yearsley Cemetery in Urbana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chris' sons Carson and Conner Richardson. There is also a donation website established at gofund.me/yk8a2g88. Please remember Chris in the way that we all knew and loved him, as a "Happy Go Lucky Guy" who loved his family and loved life. We are going to miss those beautiful blue eyes of his and his infectious laugh. We will certainly remember some of his favorite quotes: Life is Good, No Worries, It’s all Good, Rock On, Sweet, Check Ya Later, and to all I say "Goodnight." Until we meet again Po' Boy, we will hang on to all of the Wonderful Memories that you have blessed us with. You are loved beyond words. 

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