Richard O. A. Sternhagen

Sternhagen, Richard O. A.
“Dick”
1700 Bluebird Lane
Kaukauna

Age 67, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday evening, October 26, 2002, following a valiant effort by the Appleton Medical Center’s doctors and medical staff to help Richard overcome a recent heart attack and many severe complications. Donna Sternhagen, Dick’s wife and best friend for 48 years, along with his three children, Debra Sternhagen, Kaukauna, Patricia Moton, Castle Rock, CO, and Rick Sternhagen, Brookfield, WI, were present when the Lord took Dick to his eternal resting place. Dick was born in Appleton, on April 23, 1935, to the late Clarence and Lillian (Reffke) Sternhagen, and attended St. Mary Elementary School and graduated from Appleton West High School. Dick and Donna were not only partners in life, but also owned and operated Dick's’ Drive-In, for 43 years. After the sale of the family business, Dick and Donna spent the better part of the past five years traveling throughout the United States and Canada, in their motor home. The inseparable couple (except during fishing and hunting season) were avid Packer fans and attended Super Bowl XXXII. Dick was an avid hunter and fisherman, seldom missing an opportunity to spend time enjoying the outdoors. Dick also enjoyed a round of golf, a spirited game of sheepshead or poker (especially when he was taking money from his father-in-law), but most of all spending time with his wife Donna and their friends. He was always willing to extend a helping hand to those in need. He believed in a hard days work and responsibility to family and community. Most of all, he never threw anything away-take a look at his garage. Dick had a strong faith in God and attended St Aloysius Catholic Church, Kaukauna, since 1968, where he had been active in many organizational and charitable aspects, since 1973. Dick was active in the Kaukauna Elks Lodge and was proud to be named the 1988-1989 Elk of the Year. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle Association. Dick was the proud grandfather of Jason (Jill Van Rossum) Lotzer, Ryan Lotzer, Jessica, Audrey, Madeline and Elizabeth Moton, Renee, Lauren and Richard J. Sternhagen. Dick also welcomed into his heart and family his son-in-law, David Moton and Rick’s fiancée, Susan Dornan. He is also survived by his loving sister, Shirley (Tom) Hren, Larson, and their two children, Susan Witthuhn and John Hren, with whom Richard shared a lifetime of happiness and priceless memories. Dick is further survived by two sisters-in-law, Patsy Sigl and her children and Barbara (Chuck) Dahlke and their children. The funeral liturgy for Richard will be held at 11:30 am, Wednesday, October 30, 2002, at ST. ALOYSIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2401 Main Street, Kaukauna, with Father David Schmidt officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Kaukauna. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5-8 pm, Tuesday and on Wednesday there will be no visitation prior to the mass. The parish prayer and scripture service will be held at 7:30 pm, Tuesday. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund for St. Aloysius Tuition Fund has been established in Richard’s name.

Dick believed he was blessed with many true and loving friends. He appreciated being included in their lives. Dick will now be missed forever after.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 West Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna 766-6200
www.fargofuneralhomes.com