Dick Jellings

MADISON/SUN PRAIRIE-James Richard "Dick" Jellings, age 80, passed away peacefully at home on February 4, 2018 with his wife Elaine at his side. He gallantly battled pancreatic cancer for 10 months.

Dick was born at Madison General Hospital (now Meriter) on September 20, 1937 to Justin Richard and Annie Lucille (Litche) Jellings.

Dick was an east-sider, attending Lowell Elementary School and East High School. He graduated with the class of 1955 and was on the reunion committee which just celebrated their 62nd class reunion this past summer. As a senior, he joined the Naval Reserves for 8 years. Directly from high school Dick began learning the trade as a dental technician working with many great teachers. He retired after 50 years, the last 30+ with D&S Dental Lab in Waunakee. Not many people can say they made their own front teeth.

As a Madison resident, he served as a Cub master with Pack 11 at Schenk School, worked with the United Neighborhood Centers and was on the Parks Commission for many years.

One of his loves was acting, singing and directing with community theatres. He did 60 shows over the years mostly with Madison Theatre Guild and Sun Prairie Civic Theatre. He received the Life Service award from the Wisconsin Theatre Association for outstanding contributions to theatre in Wisconsin and served on the Board of Directors for Wisconsin Association of Community Theatre from 2003-2006. He was on the Board of Directors for Sun Prairie Civic Theatre as a board member or president for 12 years.

In 1984, he married his true love Elaine Busch and became a Sun Prairie resident. He loved the "small town" community and became involved in any way possible. He was Colonel Corn for 21 years at the Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival. He mentored at Westside School for 10 years doing Reading and Math. Dick and Elaine portrayed Santa and Mrs. Claus for many years participating at the Crosse House, the Special Needs Children's Christmas Party at the Colonial Club, the Optimists Pancake Breakfast and many home visits. The City of Sun Prairie bestowed the James J. Reininger Lifetime Achievement Award to him for his years of to the City and the Community.

He loved his Sun Prairie United Methodist Church and mentored for Confirmation Classes, sang with the Chancel Choir, and the Singing Churchmen. He became a Stephen Minister and spread hope and joy to whomever he mentored.

As members of the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society for 22 years, Dick & Elaine enjoyed running their G-Scale trains in their back yard and at many venues and nursing homes around the area. Dick served as President and Vice-President on the WGRS board.

Dick enjoyed using his hands to build sailing ship models. He also crafted palm crosses from discarded wood, making 327, giving all of them away.

Dick is survived by his wife Elaine, daughter Beth (Dan) Milkie, son John (Cathy) Jellings, step-daughters Diana Nyberg (Miles Narveson) and Carrie Tobin (partner Carol McCann), grandchildren Justin (Ellie) Milkie, Alyson (Jory) Wright, & Lauren Milkie (fiancé Kyle Lehman), sisters Marilyn Adank and Jane Benedetti, as well as nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home in Sun Prairie on February 16th, 2018 from 3-7 pm. A celebration of his life will be held at the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church 702 North Street, Sun Prairie, on February 17th, 2018 at 11 am. There will also be a visitation prior to the service from 9:30-11am. At Dick's request, memorials may be made to the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church building fund.

The family wishes to thank Agrace HospiceCare (the Red Team) for great care and compassion.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
608-837-9054