Richard "Dick" A. Opgenorth

Richard A. Opgenorth, 86, of Cedar Grove, WI, passed away peacefully in the company of his family on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls, WI. 

Richard was born in Sheboygan, WI on November 19th, 1937, son of the late Vernon and Helen (Platzer) Opgenorth. He graduated from Central High School, Sheboygan, WI.

Richard married Janet (Mueller) in Sheboygan, WI on July 5th, 1958, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. Soon after they started a family while living in the Town of Sheboygan. Richard worked for Western Electric (later AT&T) and traveled throughout the United States as part of his job. Richard was fortunate enough to retire at the age of 53. In retirement, Richard and Janet resided for 24 years in a “home in the woods” located in Mountain, WI. He was an active member of the Lakewood Lions Club as well as an Honorary Member in the Knights of Columbus with 55 years of service. 

Family was most important to Richard and he was able to create many fond memories of togetherness with Janet that included their friends and family. From celebrating his German/Austrian heritage wearing lederhosen, leading the annual family Christmas hayride “up north”, handcrafting unique woodwork for his family, mixing “kiddie cocktails” for the grandchildren (while enjoying a manhattan), proudly showing their black bears and cubs to visitors, to fondly watching his children start their own families, his presence made all moments golden! 

Richard was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life and this influenced many in the family taking on the tradition and sharing times in the woods or on the lake with him. There were many hunting and fishing “stories” along with laughter that occurred from outdoor adventures. Special moments included Richard becoming a member of the prestigious “Pope and Young” archery record books and gifting “perfect” handcrafted antler chandeliers to his family. Richard loved the outdoors, but indoors, he enjoyed watching the Brewers and Packers. 

Along his life’s path, he was a respected man of common sense, who would use his knowledge to help others, and had a witty humor. It was a pleasure to be in his company because he listened to what you were saying and thought deeply when responding. He was a role model as a person, a husband, a father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend. 

Richard will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Janet, of 66 years, and his children: Rachel (Elizabeth Ferger) Opgenorth, Julie (Gil) Meinen, Lori (Randy) Blom, Michael (Mary) Opgenorth, James (Sara) Opgenorth, and Lisa (James) Veeser. He also was the loving grandfather of Bret (Heidi) Meinen, Katie (Michael) Lubbert, Molly (Drew) Schuelke, Lindsay (Aaron) Presterl, Bobby (Jenny) Blom, Megan (Benjamin) Spitzer, Abby Veeser, Evan Opgenorth, Mallory Veeser, Anna Opgenorth, Anthony Opgenorth and Haley Veeser. Richard’s great-grandchildren include Brianna, Connor, Greysen, Logan, Savannah, Everett, Elliott, Emelia, Lucy, Laney, Tucker, Nicholas and Emma. Along with his wife and children, he is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Hirsch, of Mountain, WI and his loving-caring nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Herbert and Marie Mueller; two children, Robert and Mary; grandson, Nicholas Blom; and his brother-in-law, Charles Hirsch. 

The funeral mass will be held at 12:00 PM, on Thursday, October 17th, 2024, at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 807 Superior Avenue, Sheboygan, WI.

Visitors will be received at the church on Thursday, October 17th, 2024, from 10:00 AM until the time of service. A private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Sheboygan, WI.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Bettag, N.P. Amy Clark, and Sheboygan Cancer & Blood Specialists staff, 4th floor staff at St. Nicholas Hospital, and all Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. 

Ballhorn Funeral Home, Sheboygan, is assisting the family with arrangements.