Richard “Dick” Hemming

Richard “Dick” Hemming of Presque Isle, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 26, 1939, to Eugene and Virginia (Guenther) Hemming in Janesville, Dick’s life was shaped by his strong sense of family, community, and an unyielding zest for exploration and achievement.

To know Dick was to know a man with a personality larger than life. He thrived on embracing new challenges, setting ambitious personal goals, and inspiring others to pursue their own aspirations. Dick had a knack for bringing people together, and his genuine warmth and generosity left an indelible mark on everyone he met. His passion for helping others, sharing wisdom, and supporting his community created countless friendships and a legacy of kindness that will live on.

In 1962, Dick enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he met Colleen, an energetic and compassionate nurse working at UW Hospital. Dick quickly became her most devoted admirer, famously picking her up from late-night shifts on his trusty green bicycle, affectionately nicknamed the “Green Hornet.” Their love story blossomed, and they married on August 29, 1964. After Dick graduated from UW Law School in 1965, the couple moved to Colorado Springs, where he enlisted in the military and served as a judge advocate general officer during the Vietnam War. It was during this time that Dick achieved one of his lifelong dreams: earning his pilot’s license. Flying became a lifelong passion, with Dick piloting trips to his kids’ sporting events, family vacations, and his beloved Crab Lake.

After his military service, Dick returned to Janesville to raise a family, practiced law and became a pillar of the community. He poured his heart into projects that would benefit future generations, including the restoration of the Marshall Junior High Auditorium into the Janesville Performing Arts Center and the local YMCA. In Northern Wisconsin, he continued his community involvement, volunteering at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters and serving on the Wilderness Pedalers of Presque Isle Board.

Athletics were at the core of Dick’s life. A standout athlete in high school, he earned a place in the Janesville Craig Hall of Fame for his achievements in baseball, basketball, and football. At the University of Wisconsin, he continued to excel, playing for the Men’s Baseball Team and rowing with the Men’s Crew Team. After college, Dick’s love for baseball endured — he spent 17 years coaching and 15 years as director of boys’ baseball in Janesville, mentoring countless young athletes.

Despite his busy schedule, Dick always found time for fun, often blending family trips with sporting events, races, and biking adventures — anything that kept him moving. Standing still simply wasn’t in his nature. After 50 years of pushing his knees to the limit with basketball, baseball, and running, Dick embraced biking and snow skiing as his favorite ways to stay active and enjoy life.

By the early 1980s, biking had become his go-to summer pastime, while skiing evolved into a true winter passion. So much so, in fact, that he and a close group of friends rented a house in Winter Park, Colo., every year from January through March, allowing him to hit the slopes daily. Dick’s love for skiing endured for decades until he finally hung up his skis at the impressive age of 81.

Of all the things Dick cherished, nothing held a more special place in his heart than Crab Lake. Located in Vilas County his love affair with the lake began in 1942 when, at just three years old, he made his first trip there with his Uncle Frank and Aunt Eleanor Buckley. Dick often described Crab Lake as a truly unique place —  still primitive, with unmatched beauty and privacy that felt like stepping back in time. It was a place where the world’s pressures melted away, and losing track of time was not just accepted but encouraged.

When asked what time it was at the lake, Dick would often reply with a smile, “I don’t know — I don’t wear a watch up here.” For Dick, Crab Lake was the ultimate retreat, though his idea of “relaxation” often included tackling projects. His rule was simple: work until 2 p.m., when the sun hit the dock, and then it was time to unwind. Afternoons were spent gliding across the water on long pontoon rides, sharing stories and the rich history of the lake with anyone lucky enough to join him.

During his retirement at the lake, Dick met Nellie, who would become his loving companion and partner in adventure. They married in 2011 and embraced a life filled with shared dreams. Winters were spent skiing in Winter Park, Colo., summers at Dick’s beloved Crab Lake in Wisconsin, and spring and fall traveling the country. In recent years, Dick and Nellie enjoyed the best of both worlds, spending summers at the peaceful Crab Lake and winters soaking up the sun at Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. Their time together was filled with unforgettable experiences, including fulfilling many of their bucket-list dreams.

Dick’s greatest pride and joy were his four children. Though typically a humble man, he couldn’t help but beam with pride when talking about Mike, Anne, John and Steve. He shared their accomplishments with enthusiasm, often making sure everyone around him knew just how proud he was. Dick admired the unique paths each of his children had taken, celebrating their individuality and successes. When asked how they turned out so differently, he would famously reply with a grin, “I’m not sure what you mean — I raised them all the same!”

Dick is survived by his four children; Michael (Jane) of Portage; Anne Munson (Jeff) of Fitchburg; John (Cheri Ripp) of Fitchburg; and Stephen (Stacy) of Lino Lakes, Minn.. He is also survived by his devoted wife of 13 years, Nellie (Herrmann) Hemming, who brought him love and companionship in his later years. Dick took immense pride in his 10 grandchildren: Heidi (Devin) Venden, Addison and Zachary Hemming, Alexander, Jacob, Katarina, and Eric Munson, Allison, Carter, and Tyler Hemming; as well as his great-grandchild, Brielle Venden. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Grady Geske and David McKernan; sister-in-law Joan Moe and Judy McKernan; and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Colleen Hemming; his sisters, Joyce Sands and Carole Geske; his brother-in-law, Whitey Sands and William McKernan and his father and mother-in-law, Merlin and Eva McKernan.

A visitation was held on Jan. 2 at Schneider Funeral home, 1800 East Racine Street, Janesville.

A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. wake) on Thursday, July 3, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 11568 Lake Street, Presque Isle. Lunch to follow.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please consider memorials to The Wisconsin Parkinson Association 13400 Bishops Lane, Suite 120 Brookfield, WI 53005; or The Crab Lake Conservation Foundation, PO Box 256, Presque Isle WI 54557.