Richard “Dick” Porn

Richard “Dick” Porn passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Heath System - Eau Claire with his family by his side. Dick was gentle, kind, loving, great friend and listener and left a part of himself with anyone he encountered. He will be missed dearly.

Dick was born May 13, 1938, to Matthew and Gertrude Porn (Roehrick) in Chippewa Falls. Dick spent his youth in Chippewa Falls, graduating from McDonald Central Catholic High School in 1956.

Dick married the love of his life Carol (Felix) at Holy Ghost Parish on September 30, 1961. They enjoyed an amazing marriage for 54 years until Carol’s passing in 2016. They were blessed with four children, Jackie, Tim, Peter, and Daniel. Dick was a devoted husband and father all his life. Dick and Carol started their family in Chippewa Falls and then moved to the westside of Eau Claire in 1965.

Dick was baptized at Holy Ghost Parish where he was a member until joining St. James the Greater Catholic Church when the family moved to Eau Claire. Dick was a faithful and dedicated parishioner of that church until the time of his death. 

Dick started his great work ethic at an early age. He was the neighborhood paperboy and then helped bartend at the family-owned Chippewa Falls bar, The Mint. Rumor has it he may have served the locals at the ripe old age of 12. 

Dick’s passion for service started with him joining the Army National Guard in 1955 till his honorable discharge in 1966. He served active duty at Ft Lewis, Washington from 1961 to 1962. He was very proud of his service to his country. He was a great supporter of local veterans’ celebrations and functions. He was a proud member of the American Legion. 

At the age of 18 in 1956, Dick started his long and dedicated career as an optician with Benson’s Optical, Eau Claire Optical, and Chippewa Valley Eye Clinic. Dick’s career spanned 70 years, and he was still working two full days a week until the time of his passing. Dick had many loyal customers who valued his professionalism, his great skills, and counter side manner. Dick was a great colleague and mentor to many coworkers through the years.

While living on the westside, Dick and Carol’s home was known as the gathering place for the neighborhood. Dick and Carol even had an old-time bowling machine in the basement which was enjoyed by all. Dick and Carol’s house was the host to many gatherings which included showers, graduations, and birthday parties. Christmas Eve was an important gathering for their family. When the grandkids were very young, Dick and Carol started a great tradition that continued for many years by having Santa and Mrs. Claus show up and hand out gifts. 

Dick and Carol could be found in the bleachers or in their favorite lawn chairs supporting their kids and grandkids’ sporting events, concerts, dance recitals, and piano recitals. They were so very proud of the family.

A big part of Dick’s life was volunteering and serving the community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he volunteered to help park cars at many events. He was also a proud and loyal member of the Elks Lodge 402 of Eau Claire. He was more than just a member of the Elks; it was his second family. Dick worked steak and fish frys, it is where he loved to sing karaoke, was voted member of the year, and where he enjoyed a drink with his many special Elk members. His final act of community service and outreach was being an organ donor.

Minocqua was always a special place to Dick and Carol. Dick and Carol enjoyed staying at their timeshare with family and friends. Dick continued to travel to Minocqua even after Carol’s death. While up north, he enjoyed time with his friends from the community at several of the local watering holes. 

Dick was passionate about following his favorite sports teams, the Packers, the Badgers, and the Brewers. Dick also was a great supporter of our local sports teams from the Eau Claire Express to local high school sporting events. 

Dick had many activities he enjoyed through the years. He enjoyed dancing, horseshoes, bowling, playing cards, and cribbage tournaments with his sister-in-law Connie. He attended many fairs, church picnics, and music festivals. But what Dick loved most was meeting and spending time with family and friends. Dick was all about friendship and camaraderie. He was known far and wide at several establishments — Elks, Ray’s Place, Schuetzy’s, the VFW’s, and Westside Bar, to name a few. This would prompt many selfies to be shared with the social media community. Dick had an incredible memory. He could meet you once and remember your name five years later. Dick’s fan club were people of all ages. He left a part of himself with everyone he met. He was a very humble person. He was so amazed at the love and respect he received. 

Dick is survived by his children, Jackie (Greg) Faanes of Eau Claire, Tim (Teresa) Porn of Altoona, Peter (Lori) Porn of Neenah, and Daniel (Tina) Porn of Eau Claire; Jackie’s son, Jacob (Brittany) and their children Brooks and Maddie, her daughter, Megan (Joshua) and their children, Amelia and Nolan, and her son, Kevin; Tim’s sons, Jonathon and Austin (Miguel); Peter’s son, Matthew (Brittany) and their children Ariella and Ellie, and daughter, Marissa; Dan’s daughter, Molly; brother, John (Janet) Porn, sister-in-law, Gerri (Rollie) Marco, sister-in-law, Connie LeMay, brother-in-law John (Eileen) Felix, brother-in-law Father William Felix, and many nieces and nephews. 

Dick is proceeded in death by his parents, Matthew and Gertrude; wife, Carol; brother-in-law, Ronald White; brother-in-law, Karl LeMay; and nephews, Dennis and David White.

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to several who were important to our father. First, we want to thank the medical staff at Mayo Clinic Health System – Eau Claire. During their care for our father, they were professional, caring, and respectful. They made us feel as comfortable as possible during our time of need. 

We would like to also thank, not only the Elks Lodge, but Dick’s core group he was close to and active with. He always looked forward to Friday’s 4 p.m. Happy Hour gatherings and the Ray’s Place lunch at noon every Saturday. Thank you, Jim, Julie, Peggy, Marge, and Chuck for your special friendship.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday July 14, 2026, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St. Eau Claire. Visitation will be on Monday, July, 13, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Chippewa Valley Cremation Services - Celebration of Life Center, 1717 Devney Dr. Altoona, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral mass at church on Tuesday. Entombment with full Military Honors rendered by American Legion Post #53 will immediately follow the mass at Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum, located at Calvary Cemetery, Eau Claire. A celebration of life will be held at the Elks Lodge #402, 3411 Stein Blvd, Eau Claire, immediately following the entombment.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorials be made to St. James the Greater Catholic Church or Catholic charity of your choice, Elks Lodge 402, Paralyzed Veterans of America, or Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute. 

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life Center in Altoona is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.chippewavalleycremation.com.