Richard J. Sindermann

1956 - 2024

Jefferson, WI - Richard J. Sindermann, 68, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee due to heart failure.

Richard was born on June 19, 1956, in Fort Atkinson, WI, to Franz and Adelgunde (Perschke) Sindermann. He attended St. John's Lutheran School, graduated from Jefferson High School in 1974, earned a bachelor's degree in communications from UW-Whitewater, and later completed a master's in accounting from UW-Madison. Richard was a lifelong learner, continually seeking new knowledge and personal growth.

In 1982, Richard moved to West Hollywood, CA, where he lived until 2001. While there, he met Tim Butler, his partner and the love of his life. Though Tim passed away in 1991, their time together remained a cherished memory for Richard.

Richard was passionate about animals, particularly dogs, and was actively involved in showing various breeds. His knowledge and connections with breeders made him the go-to person for family and friends seeking new pets. Later, he developed an interest in breeding Brahma show chickens, always finding new ways to engage with his passions. Richard was also known for his exceptional cooking skills, delighting in sharing his culinary creations with loved ones. His creativity extended beyond the kitchen-he enjoyed gardening, writing, and dancing, using dance as both a form of exercise and self-expression.

Known for his wit and teasing sense of humor (often at his siblings' expense), Richard had a way of bringing smiles to those around him and especially took great pride in being "GUNKLE RICH". Above all, he was a truly kind and loving soul who deeply cared for those around him. His unique spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Richard is survived by his siblings, Willi (Gudrun) Sindermann of Deerfield, Barbara (Kenneth) Frank of Jefferson, and Robert (Yvonne) Sindermann of McFarland; his nieces and nephews, Paul, Adam, Bonnie (Cory), Nikki, Erin (Aaron), Lindsay (Derek) and Shannon; great-nieces and nephews, Adel, Callen, Emery, Royce, and Raleigh June; aunts and uncle, Helen (Roger) Rupnow and Mary Perschke; and cherished friends, Kathy Schmidt, Alice Page, and Justin Frohmader.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his partner Tim Butler, and other beloved family members.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Union Cemetery in Jefferson, with Rev. Joshua Martin of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating. A luncheon and open house will follow at Tinto's Banquet Hall from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

The Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home is caring for the family. To place an online condolence, please visit

www.olsen-gibson.com