Richard “Rich” Wagendorf

Richard Donald Wagendorf, 69, of Boulder Junction, passed away at his home on December 15, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Born May 12, 1954, in Chicago, to Eugene (Sr) and Carol (Larson) Wagendorf. He graduated from Carl Schurz High School in Chicago in 1972 and Studied Data Processing at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago from 1974-76. 

He met Marian Pfisterer at age four when she moved in two houses down from him on the same street. The friendship continued as they attended grade school and high school together and led to their marriage on June 14, 1980. Together they had four children. 

Rich worked as a computer technician for an insurance company in Chicago for 26 years. In June 1998 they moved to Boulder Junction where they built a house and managed cabins for Meadowlark Resort. Rich worked at Lakeland Union High School and Trigs Cellar 70 before taking a job at Brandy Lake BP where he worked for 12 years and enjoyed interacting with many customers who became dear friends.

Rich spent his free time fishing, bowling, tinkering with cars and small engines and lending a hand or expertise to any who asked. He was extremely proud of his kids and grandkids, enjoyed taking them fishing or watching them play baseball, softball, football, basketball and other sporting or school events. 

Rich was preceded in death by his daughter Elizabeth, parents Eugene (Sr) and Carol Wagendorf, grandparents Nils and Marietta Larson, and brother Eugene (Jr) Wagendorf. Along with three uncles Joe (Sr) Cuttle, Andrew and Walter Wagendorf. Two Aunts Sweety and Buzzy. 

Surviving Rich is his wife Marian of 43 years, sister-in-law Lucy Wagendorf, cousins Joe (Stephanie) Cuttle and Karen (Rock) Neysto, his children Nils (Jen) Wagendorf, Kristin (Jeff) Kumpula, Karl (Marianne) Wagendorf. Nephews Gene and Aaron, grandkids Devin (Becca), Josh (Amber), Nevaeh, Maddox, Miley, Andrew, Carol, Jonathan, and Erik. He is also survived by a very special young man Elijah and many other special friends, nieces, nephews, great-grand pups and great-grand kittens. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Dec, 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel and on Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m.

Thank you to Rennes and Compassus for providing his care.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.