Dick (Richard) J. Vande Hei

Dick (Richard J.) Vande Hei, age 89, passed away on January 17, 2026. He was born on July 22, 1936 to Velma (Stadler) and John Vande Hei of De Pere, WI. As the youngest of four, he enjoyed time on his grandparents farm in Greenleaf, WI. He was especially close to his brother, Bill Vande Hei, they were always up to something.

After graduating West High School in 1955, he joined the Marine Corps, becoming a SGT, proudly serving his country from 1955 to 1958. On August 13, 1960, he married Mary K. Engels. Together they raised 3 children, Rick, Virginia (Ginnie), and Pat. He lost his wife, Mary, in 1982, then married Carolyn Humphner Goldbach. Battling cancer, she eventually passed away. Finding love again, he married Mary Buzaitis on June 23, 2000. After retiring, they enjoyed traveling and their time spent in Florida over the cold Wisconsin winters with great friends. He was a hard worker, avid fisherman, and enjoyed the outdoors--especially hunting deer, elk, and bears. From advice and how to fix everything, he was known for his sense of humor, and always had a good joke up his sleeve.

He will be loved and missed by many including his wife, Mary; his brother, Bill (Jeanne) Vande Hei; his children, Rick (Lana) Vande Hei, Ginnie (Dan) Bluma, and Patrick (Noelle) Vande Hei; his step children, Christopher (Lorena) Buzaitis, Jeff (Amy) Buzaitis, and Dan (Casey) Goldbach; his 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his brother, Jack Vande Hei, and his sister Carol (Jim) Conklin.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Doctors, Mark and Matt Jenson, AseraCare Hospice, and Courtyard at Bellevue for the wonderful care they provided.