Richard A. Symoens, 69, Watertown, died Jan. 28, 2013, at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek after a long battle with cancer. Following cremation, his remains will be placed at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St., Union Grove.
He was born in Racine on Sept. 12, 1943, to the late Armand and Helen Symoens. He is a graduate of Union Grove High School and served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1964. He had a long career with AT&T, retiring in 1995. From 1996 to 2006 he enjoyed consulting for CompuWare. In retirement he worked part-time at the Watertown Farm & Fleet store.
He married the former Joy Lenling on April 20, 1968, in Greendale.
He was active in local bowling circles for many years and served as manager of the local bowling association for 25 years, as a member of the Hall of Fame committee, and in many other bowling leadership positions. He was a member of the Watertown Bowling Hall of Fame. He was also active in the Interstate Racing Association where he was treasurer and statistician, and was treasurer and an active board member of Watertown’s Pitterie Beaudoin Post No. 189, American Legion. He also was a key member of the Legion’s Fourth of July celebration committee for a number of years. He was a volunteer driver for the Jefferson County Veterans Services Department. He enjoyed taking motorcycle trips, camping and helping others. He was very proud of his bowling accomplishments and had six 300 games, one 298 game and one 800 series, bowled with several pro bowlers in various tournaments and won a number of bowling awards and honors.
Survivors include his wife; son, Mark (Judy) Symoens, Reeseville; daughters, Kelly (Jerry) Alviar, Woodbury, Tenn., Jill (Bill) Gallagher, Beaver Dam; grandchildren, Daniel and Heather Symoens, Megan and Emily Alviar, Elizabeth, Draven and Sydnee Gallagher; sister, Pat (Raymond) Hahn, Burlington; brother, Joseph (Sharon) Symoens, Franksville.
He was further preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David.
The service for friends and family is Monday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m., at the cemetery. Following the service, lasting until 6:30 p.m., will be a celebration of his life, at the Yorkville United Methodist Church, 17645 Old Yorkville Road, Union Grove. Informed Choice, Madison, is serving the family.
Memorials are suggested to the Rainbow Hospice or the Watertown Legion Post 189.
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