Richard Smith, age 74 of Reeseville, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Richard, "Dick Smith" as he was known to his friends and family, was born on November 23, 1940 and grew up in Clinton and Janesville, WI. He graduated from Janesville High School in 1958, then served in the United States Army until 1961. He married Sharon Kohler-Tuler on June 26, 1977. Dick held many jobs, but some of the highlights of his long work career included working at Bimex Corp from 1976 to 2003. He also managed a horse boarding facility, Stonehedge Stables of Waterville, WI from 1974 to 1979.

Music was his passion, and Dick was a talented musician and singer. He was the bass guitarist and singer for the Trailhands Band from 1970 until 1975. He started the very popular band, Goldrush, in 1976 and played in it until his health deteriorated in 2003. Goldrush played around the Southeast Wisconsin area, making many friends through the band and had a large following. Dick appreciated the opportunity to work with many great musicians and singers in his long musical career and remained friends with many of them until his death. Goldrush played in large and small venues and were the opening act for many big-name entertainers. Dick was an inspiration to and made time for many aspiring musicians and singers, and helped many of them get started in the music business.

In 1979, Dick moved to a farm outside of Clyman, WI and had a small horse boarding facility, along with several horses of his own. He was known far and wide for using his horses for weddings and parades throughout the 1980's and early 1990's. Dick enjoyed his many friends and always made time for music or horse-related activities with them. He loved entertaining people and spending time with his grandchildren and relatives. Along with music, his hobbies included building projects on his farm, computers and horse-related activities. He spent the last several years of his life at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sharon of Reeseville; his step-son, Tom Tuler; his daughter-in-law, Candy Tuler; his grandchildren, Michael and Nicole Tuler; his foster daughter, Jessica Kumm and foster grandson, Colton Kumm; his brothers, Larry Shipman, Don Shipman, Lynn Gilkey, Bill Shipman, and Edward Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents. He will be sadly missed by all.

Memorials in Richard's name may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington DC 20090.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.