Duane G. "Buck" Richards

Duane “Buck” Glen Richards, age 85 of Menasha, WI passed away on October 23, 2024. He was born to Andrew and Delores (Young) Richards on May 14, 1939 in Caledonia, MN. Buck enlisted in the Army during high school and served for several years before beginning his new career in the Banta Corporation, retiring after over 30 years of loyal work. Buck met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Baldwin and they were married in May of 1968 in Menasha, WI. While they never had children of their own, they were a proud aunt and uncle to many nieces and nephews that they treated like their own children. 

Buck was an incredibly social person. You could almost always find him at a local restaurant, keeping up with everyone in town. He loved the outdoors, often spending his time walking, fishing, or hunting. Buck loved taking trips with Mary, including many trips to Minocqua and a favorite trip to Hawaii. He also loved entertaining children – not only his nieces and nephews, but also the residents’ grandchildren around Halloween and Christmas. In fact, he grew out his beard to be a Santa for the kids and the residents at Prairie Home. More than anything else in the world, Buck loved his family and cherished every moment he spent with his siblings, nephews, nieces, and other relatives. 

Buck will be missed by Bob (Barb) Baldwin and Jackie Baldwin; his nieces and nephews Stacey (Scott Milligan), Mark (Blandine) Baldwin, Scott Baldwin, Laurie (Sean) McElrath and Brian (Sarah) Baldwin as well as by his sisters Patricia and Mary, stepsiblings Rose, Ruth, Darlene, Carolyn, Tammy, Michael, Nancy and Robert, as well as extended relatives and dear friends.

Buck is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his brother-in-law, Tom Baldwin; 9 brothers and sisters; and 1 stepbrother.

In respect to Buck’s wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. He instead requested a private family graveside service, where he’ll be laid to rest with his wife, Mary at St. Mary Cemetery in Menasha, WI. In lieu of flowers, please consider leaving your favorite memory of Buck in the messages section below. 

Buck’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Prairie Homes as well as the doctors, nurses, and other supporting staff at Preceptor Hospice for all their care, compassion, and professionalism during Buck’s time of need.