Richard C "Rich" Willette, age 67, of Rhinelander, died on July 28, 2010 in Marshfield, WI at the St. Joseph's Hospital. He was born on December 24, 1942 in Rhinelander to Joseph and Helen(Hobbs)Willette. Rich attended schools in Rhinelander graduating from the Rhinelander High School in 1961. He then enrolled in the Milwaukee School of Engineering, specifically electrical, before moving on to Cardinal Stritch University where he received his bachelor's degree. In additon to his schooling while in Milwaukee, he also was employed by The Goodwill Rehab Center. After Cardinal Stritch Rich continued his education at UW Stout where he received a masters degree in vocational rehabilitation. Rich then worked as a counselor and consultant in the vocational rehabilitation field, mainly with Petersen Health Care over the years, but also with other agencies, state, federal and private. Of great importance to Rich was his church. He was a longtime member of the St. Augustine's Episcopal Church. He served as a member of the Vestery and also as a Eucharistic Minister. Rich was also a member of the Masons, Eastern Star and the Amatuer Radio Relay League. He was an avid Ham radio operator and also served as a reporter for the National Weather Service. He loved the quiet sports which included fly and ice fishing, biking, kayaking, and photography. He was also employed by the YMCA for most of his adult life. He was involved with the YMCA of the Northwoods since it's inception and among other activities, he taught swimming. Rich would also want mentioned his love for his "kitties". Overall, Rich will be remembered as a kind, patient and generous man who had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He will be missed by his friends and family, especially by his wife Diane whom he married on October 2, 1971 in Milwaukee, WI. Rich is survived by Diane and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services for Rich will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the St. Augustine's Episcopal Church with Father Dean Einerson officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until just prior to the services on Wednesday, August 4th at the St. Augustine's Episocopal Church. Committal services will be held in the St. Augustine Church Yard. Diane is establising a memorial in Rich's name for the St. Augustine's Episcopal Church. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414/www.carlsonfh.com) is handling the arrangements for Rich's family.
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