Richard Ernest Wittstock (Rich) passed away suddenly on June 7, 2025, at age 81 after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family and the caring medical staff of Regions Hospital.
Rich was born prematurely on August 4, 1943, in Glenwood City, Wisconsin, to Ernest and Mildred Wittstock. He weighed a whopping 2 pounds. Mildred and her sisters fed Rich around the clock with an eyedropper until he got strong enough to drink from a bottle. Mildred was determined to keep her tiny baby alive. In addition to eating with an eyedropper, Rich slept in a dresser drawer until he outgrew it and could sleep in a crib. Mildred’s love and determination paid off and Rich got bigger and stronger, soon welcoming the first of his new siblings, Ronald, Marion, and Edward. The oldest of 13 children, Rich took the role of big brother very seriously, remaining close with his brothers and sisters his whole life.
Rich moved from Wisconsin to the Twin Cities in the early 1960s. It was during this time that he began his career as a commercial roofer with Berwald Roofing. He was promoted to foreman and worked for Berwald’s until he retired after more than 44 years.
When he was 19 years-old, Rich met Cherie Lee O’Donnell, the love of his life and future wife, at Porky’s drive-in while they were drag-racing down University Avenue. Rich and Cherie were married 6 months after they met on January 26, 1963.
Rich and Cherie soon started their family, raising three children — Melissa, Christopher, and Monica. They moved from North St. Paul, Minnesota to New Richmond, Wisconsin in 1975, and remained in the area throughout their married life. Rich was the proud grandfather of 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and loved hearing about their many adventures.
Rich was an avid outdoorsman. He loved going up north and hunting with his son, Chris, grandsons Mike and Nick, and his brothers every fall. He also loved fishing with his brothers and going to the cabin. He worked hard on his lawn, giving his grandchildren rides on his lawnmower, feeding and watching birds, and tending his garden. Rich loved to be busy. He had many projects and could often be found making improvements to the house or yard.
Rich was devoted to his family. He took great care of Cherie throughout their marriage and especially as her MS progressed. He was the person you could always count on and turn to if you needed help with anything, whether it was as simple as getting a ride or as complicated as moving across the country, Rich would always help if he was able. He learned how to cook later in life and made excellent potato salad and delicious chocolate chip cookies.
Rich is survived by his three children: daughter Melissa (James), son Christoper (Sue), and daughter Monica (Steven). He is also survived by grandchildren Jeremy, Gina, Jenny, Jason, Mike, Nick, Morgan, and Corbin, as well as 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Rich was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Cherie Lee (O’Donnell) Wittstock, his parents Ernest and Mildred Wittstock, sister Brenda Wittstock, brothers Ronald Wittstock and Edward Wittstock, and grandson Jon Moe.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday June 20th 2025 at 11am at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (365 West River Drive) in New Richmond. A visitation will also be held on Friday from 10-11am at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch Richard’s service live on Friday, June 20th.
4 Comments
Chris , sorry for the loss of your father. I enjoyed working with him over the years thought and prayers to you and your family
Mike
Chris. Sorry for your loss. I always like to work on a job that your dad ran. He was easy to work with, made my job easier.
I’m so sorry for your loss .
I wish that i had known him better , He seemed like a wonderful person ..
My thoughts and prayers are with the family ❤️
My mother loved to tell the story of helping Aunt Mildred care for Richard when he was born. I have often thought about what it would have been like in the 1940s, without the technology of today.
I will always remember Richard fondly as a kind, gentle man and a great cousin.
Love to you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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