News staff
Richard Wayne Gustke, age 88 of Redgranite, passed away suddenly, Monday morning, January 6, 2025 at the Omro Care Center, where he had been recovering from surgery following a fall.
Richard was born June 4, 1936 in Berlin, a son of Charles and Ruth (Pick) Gustke. He married Marcella M. Rogers on June 1, 1957 at the Free Methodist Church in Pine River. Marcella preceded Richard in death July 30, 2020 following 63 years of marriage.
Richard began his teaching career studying at the Waushara County Normal School in Wautoma where he received his teaching certificate. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Richard taught the 4th grade for 40 years. He began teaching in a number of one room schools, one of these was the former Brushville School, which still stands on County Highway M & State Road 49 north of Poy Sippi He continued teaching in the Weyauwega-Fremont School District until his retirement after 40 years as an educator.
He was very devoted to his family - especially his wife Marcella. Richard and Marcella shared their love for others by being foster parents for many years in addition to raising their own family. Following Marcella’s death, Richard visited her gravesite daily. They will now be together again.
Richard was a faithful, active member of the Crossroads Family Church in Wautoma. He enjoyed raising flowers in his yard at home and also enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles. The Christmas season was a great time of the year for Richard.
Survivors include his daughter, Melody (Clayton) Chambers of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, a son, Wayne (Lisa) Gustke of Berlin, a daughter-in-law, Laurie (Steve Schmidt) Gustke of Redgranite; 6 grandchildren, Melissa (Scott) Beulen, Andrew (Traci) Gustke, Amber (Jordan) Brownlow, Shelby (Casey) Stoll, Jordan Ann (Ryan) Hathaway, and Will Chambers, and 6 great-grandchildren, Emme. Eva, and Ella Beulen, Troy Stoll, Raelynn, and Izzy Brownlow. And brothers and sisters, Jerry, Terry (Susie), and Larry, Gustke, Cheryl Gonzales, and Rick Gustke; other relatives and friends, and the many students whose lives he enriched through the years.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Marcella, his son, Troy, his parents, and brothers, James and Dan, and sisters, Marie and Joyce.
Funeral Services for Richard W. Gustke were held Monday, January 13th. at 10:30 A.M. at Crossroads Family Church, 640 South Water Street in Wautoma. Rev. Andrew Bollant officiated. Burial was in the Foster Road Cemetery, Redgranite. Relatives and friends called at the Church from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Monday prior to the time of Services. Memorials will be appreciated in Richard’s memory in place of flowers.
The Ruminski Funeral Home of Redgranite assisted Richard’s family with arrangements.
(920) 566-2313.
