Richard Koethe, Sr. 01/21/2021

Richard Koethe, Sr. was born on July 12, 1941 in St. Paul, MN to Charles and Emily Koethe. He grew up on his family farm outside of Frederic, WI where he attended Frederic Schools. He didn’t graduate because he was needed on the family farm to help work. Richard’s family eventually moved to Roseville, MN where he met his then wife, Bonnie Murphy. They wed on August 5, 1960. They had 5 children together, one daughter, Debbie and 4 sons, Richard (Richie) Jr.,Gary, Kevin, and James. They lived in Roseville, MN until 1971 where they moved to Balsam Lake, WI. Richard & Bonnie were married for 25 years when they decided to separate.

Richard worked for many years doing drywall and construction with his Uncle Dave. He passed this trade on to his own sons and grandsons. He also spent many hours working on cars and motors with his son Richie. In the 1970s, Richard went back to school and completed his GED along with his associate’s degree to become a respected Police Officer in Balsam Lake. He held the title of a police officer with pride. He always looked so nice in his uniforms. He shared stories with family, one remembered a story of him saving the life of a young man who had jumped off of a bridge and cut his neck open on a hidden grate. Richard came running through the door of his home to get bath towels to wrap around the young man’s neck to help stop the bleeding. He put him in the back of his squad car and rushed him to the hospital where the man survived his injury.

Richard loved everything about the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, camping and birds. His children especially remember trips with him to Canada and Twin Lakes where they created memories spending many hours fishing as a family. He loved all of his dogs he had over the years and his horses. He even had a horse named Star that he taught to do tricks.

In 1995 Richard met his honey, Audrey. They spent his remaining years together. They lived in Centuria, Columbia, MO. and then moved back to Prescott, WI. He loved her very dearly. They enjoyed traveling and camping together, going to auctions, flea markets and playing miniature golf together. He loved her cooking.

He loved to tinker on automobiles, remote control cars, planes and helicopters. He was a kid at heart. He enjoyed putting model cars together and watching Nascar on Sundays. He had a need for speed which he passed onto his sons and daughter.

He made an awesome potato soup and his favorite meal was roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy. He also really enjoyed a good meatloaf and chili. He had a sweet tooth and his favorite dessert was pumpkin pie.

He loved music and loved to dance. He loved making people laugh and being silly. He enjoyed watching war movies including his favorite, “Kelly’s Hero” and documentaries. His favorite comedy was “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World.”

As he got older he really appreciated his relationships with his grandchildren and loved seeing them and getting their phone calls. He gave some of the best hugs. We will remember his silly little smile and “I Love You’s”.

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Larry), sons, Richard Jr., Gary, Kevin, and James (Mindi). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christopher (Kristina), Brittany (Greg), Andrew, Kristi (Chris), Amanda, Amber (Mitch), Dylan (Kayla), Devin (Alisha), Matthew, Breanna, Tony, Brandon, Brooke, Joshua, and Kyle and many great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Koethe Sr., mother, Emily Koethe, sister, Carolynn Schloer, and brother, Charles (Punk) Koethe.

John 16:22 “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice and no one will take away your joy.”

A  private memorial service was held on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S. Knowles Ave.) in New Richmond.  Public Visitation was from 1-2 pm before the service and guests are asked to wear masks and practice physical distancing. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch a recording of Richard’s Memorial Service.