Richard George Weinzatl
1952-2025
Richard “Dick” George Weinzatl, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 3 at the age of 73 surrounded by family and under the care of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care Inc. A proud father of four daughters, Richard’s life was one rooted in love, faith, hard work, and the great outdoors. Richard grew up with a deep appreciation for the land and the simple joys it brings. He spent 39 years working on the railroad, where his dedication, strength, and unwavering work ethic earned the respect of his coworkers and the admiration of his family. When he wasn’t on the job, Richard could be found in the woods or fields—hunting, fishing, farming or simply enjoying the peace and beauty of nature. He loved sharing those moments with family and friends, teaching his daughters the value of patience, respect for nature, and the importance of enjoying life’s quiet moments.
One of his greatest times of the year was hunting season, he enjoyed all the hunters. He enjoyed heading up the hunting group and deciding which drive they should do next, explaining where that “deer stand was next to that one big oak tree back in the meadow” or “off the old logging road.” Then evening would come and he would be sharing hunting stories, playing cards or shaking dice with fellow hunters.
A man of faith, Richard was a devoted member of St. Theresa’s in Westboro and later a member of Good Shepherd Church in Rib Lake, where he found community and purpose. His faith guided him through life’s challenges and inspired those around him to live with integrity, kindness, and gratitude.
In his younger years, Richard enjoyed stockcar racing where he spent endless time with friends and family racing and fixing. Richard also enjoyed motorcycle riding and had taken several trips out West with friends.
Richard had a laugh and voice that will never be forgotten and still echoes through the woods and fields of his land. He was always up for a good time, not a long time. He enjoyed making people laugh, helping others and just enjoyed getting to know people. Pretty sure he knew half of Wisconsin and then some.
Richard was proud of his girls; often said “he would put them up against anybody!” He led by example. The girls worked by his side on the farm and have many interesting memories and a good farm vocabulary to show for it.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Catherine Weinzatl; and his father and mother-in-law, Claude and Arlene Fallos. He was also preceded by his brother, Joseph Weinzatl; baby sister, Anna; sister-in-law, Shirley Weinzatl; and brother-inlaw, Joseph Ziembo.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Pamela (Fallos) Weinzatl; and his four daughters, Rebecca (Jason) Mielke, Sarah Weinzatl, Traci (Logan) Borchardt, and Katie (Travis Alft) Hickman, all of Wausau. Richard was also a grandpa to five beautiful grandchildren, Lana, Jenna and Mason Borchardt, and Lucas and Ayden Hickman. Richard is also survived by sister-inlaw, Donna Weinzatl; siblings, Mary (Bernie) Wahl, Elizabeth (Everett) Rhyner, Andrew Weinzatl, Helen (Donald) Nelson, Michael (Donna) Weinzatl, David Weinzatl, and Margret (Leroy) Draeger; special cousin, George “Cork” (Beverly) Tesch; many nieces; nephews; extended family; and great friends.
Services will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake, on Nov. 21, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. and funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery.
Richard will be remembered for his laughter, his stories, his deep love for his family, and the way he lived his life—honest, humble, and full of heart.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 176313
