Richard R. Bartelt 1938-2026

Richard R. Bartelt, 88, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 at Aspirus Care and Rehab, under the care of Hope Hospice. A memorial service for Richard will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Kenneth Bittorf officiating. Visitation will take place at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Military rites will be performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team.

Richard was born on May 13, 1938 to Raymond and Dorothy (Grube) Bartelt in Wausau. He married Ruth Capelle on June 1, 1968 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Goodrich. He served in the US Army and was stationed at Ft. Sill in Oklahoma. He worked at Hurd Millwork for 42 years, until his retirement.

In his spare time, Richard enjoyed spending time working in the woods, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed watching the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, and Bucks. Richard’s faith was very important to him. He was a lifelong member of St. Andrew’s Church, where he served on the church counsel for many years as well as the cemetery board. Richard loved spending time with his family, playing sheepshead, cribbage, and farkle.

Richard is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughters, Brenda (Russell) Rasmussen and Rana (Matthew) Haakenson; grandchildren, Abigail and Ethan Rasmussen; siblings, Robert (Norma) Bartelt, of Hot Springs Village, Ark., Narda Lichtl, of Medford, Alfred (Kathy) Lemke, Jr., of Medford, John (Judy) Lemke, of Hamburg, and James (Marvel) Lemke, of Medford. Richard is further survived by many other family and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Alfred Lemke, Sr.; and brother-in-law, Louis Lichtl.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Richard’s name, may be given to St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church or Northland Lutheran High School.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.