Richard Turtenwald

Richard "Rick" Alan Turtenwald, of Pound, Wisconsin, went to be with the Lord on May 27th, 2024, with his wife at his side. He was 72 years old. Rick bravely fought a battle with cancer for three years, never giving up hope. He was an inspiration to everyone around him.

Rick was born on April 12th, 1952 to Richard and Marilyn Turtenwald in Greenfield, Wisconsin. He was the second of four children. After graduating from Greenfield High School in 1970, he went on to study Geology for a short time at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh before landing on a career at Cooper Power Systems in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Rick was highly active throughout his life from childhood football to softball, bowling, and golf as an adult.

In 1975, Rick was introduced to Joanne through his sister Sandy. Their favorite date spot was Mama Mia's in West Allis and enjoyed many nights of pizza and garlic bread before Rick made Joanne his bride in 1980. They raised their children, Richard "Ricky", and Kristen "Krissy" in New Berlin for 20 years. Rick was a man of family and faith through and through. He was a hard working man, dedicated to his family, and nothing made him more proud. He taught his kids about love, God and faith. His family gave him strength during the hard times and laughter and joy all of the time. He was a wonderful dad and "Papa".

Rick retired at age 55, and moved "up north" with Joanne to White Potato Lake where he enjoyed boating, boat rides, fishing, and family gatherings.

Rick was a steward of White Potato Lake. He was president of the Sportsmen's club for 9 years, staying on as vice-president for 7 years. He was involved with all the Club activities, Ice Fishing Derbies, Spring Banquets, Appreciation picnics, and fishing planting. He played and integral part in pairing the Sportsmen's Club with the Lake Association in 2018 to deal with the infestation of aquatic invasive species. When it became apparent to him that public funding was needed to protect and manage the lake, he partnered with others to petition for the formation of a Lake District.

Rick had a passion for hunting. He spent countless years hunting at his cabin in Goodman, Wisconsin, with his son Rick, his brother Randy, cousins Tom Marks and Scott Mulcahy, and good friend Chris Mihm. Rick was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his crops with family and friends, and especially trading goods with cohorts Jamie Peterson and Josh Fendryk.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Joanne (Starr), son Richard Turtenwald, daughter Kristen (Mark) Nedset , grandchildren Rick, Noah, Camden, Violet, and Landon, sisters Sandy (Jim) Larson , and Sue (Robert) Peters , brother Randy (Juli) and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Dick and Marilyn Turtenwald.

Even though Rick was taken too soon, he lived a life well lived, surrounded by those who loved him. He will be forever missed and remembered often.

Rick's family would like to thank the staff at the Cancer Center at Froedtert West Bend Hospital for their compassion and care during his illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 13, 2024 at 11:30 am at Hales Corners Lutheran Church 12300 W Janesville Rd, Hales Corners, Wisconsin. In remembrance of Rick's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Kathy's House in Rick's name. www.kathys-house.org