Richard R. Weisenbeck
Richard R. “Dick” Weisenbeck, age 93 of Rice Lake, formerly Durand, died Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Our House Senior Living in Rice Lake.
Dick was born on July 23, 1930 in Wausau. At a young age, Dick was adopted by Ray W. and Ruby (Doughty) Bauer and grew up in the City of Durand. A few years later, he was adopted by Ray’s sister, Laura and Mike Weisenbeck, and moved to the Weisenbeck family farm near Urne. Dick then went to Madison where he successfully completed the UW-Madison Agriculture Short Course. He joined the U.S. Navy and served in Korea during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955. The family found it fitting that he died on Pearl Harbor Day. Dick married Thelma Sabelko on May 19, 1953 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima in rural Durand. After marriage, they lived in California for a short time while Dick finished his career in the Navy. They moved back to the Durand area in 1955 where they continued to work and raise their family. Dick worked various jobs over years including the Durand High School and retired from Security Financial Bank. Dick was a member of the Knights of Columbus, holding several local and state officer positions, an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, singing at many funerals, and the Durand American Legion. He was a dedicated caregiver for his wife, Thelma, during her journey with dementia.
Dick enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing cards, hunting, deer camp and traveling. He was passionate about sports, going to many Durand Panther sporting events and watching the Badgers and Packers. Most of all Dick loved spending time with family and friends.
Dick is survived by his children Pat (Neil) McNaughton of Presho, SD, Karen (Cal Lanzel) Weisenbeck and Gary (Rose), both of Nekoosa and Kelly (Bob Moore) Weisenbeck of Barron, foster daughter Diane (Harold) Vlcek of Eau Claire, seven grandchildren; Laura, Jed (Jen), Brooke (Dustin), Garret, Carley, Lexi (Jordan) and Jada, six great grandchildren; Noah, Izzy, Sophie, Jonah, Gabe and Violet, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Thelma.
The family would like to thank the staff of Our House Senior Living in Rice Lake and Heartland Hospice for all the loving care and support given to Dick.
Memorial Mass will be 11:30AM Friday, December 15, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00PM-7:00PM Thursday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand with a Rosary Service at 3:30PM. Visitation will also be one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.