DIXON – Richard “Rich” Mardauss, 63, of Dixon, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at his home. 

He was born Aug. 2, 1949, in Prairie du Chien, Wis., the son of George and Imogene (Weighner) Mardauss. After graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in applied math in 1971, he completed a degree in civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1977.

Rich was a loving husband and father, and a friend to many. He was highly respected for his integrity, work ethic, and devotion to his profession by his co-workers at the Illinois Department of Transportation-Dixon, where he worked for 41 years, and as the bridge inspector for the past 14. He was responsible for the 10 northern counties of Illinois, and in 1992 was presented with the Engineer of the Year award for District 2.