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Richard Truitt Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Truitt
Paul and Lisa Walter
January 3, 2022
Our Bayview WI neighborhood still talks and thinks of Rev. Dick Truitt often. He truly lived and exemplified the teachings of Christ, especially in finding peace and harmony, we miss him.
Doug Monsoor
January 3, 2021
On this anniversary of Pastor Dick's passing into glory, I cannot help to add to previous comments. I was one of the privileged ones who went thru, I
believe, the first catechism he taught in Onalaska, and of also being baptized by him. My family lived two doors down from the parsonage, and thus we were privileged to become good friends and neighbors, to Dick & Barbara.
In my daily devotions, today, I continue to utilize a small book of inspirational messages, given to me on my HS graduation which is autographed by him, in 1955. I will never forget both him and Barbara, now low these many years ago. I'm positive that you are leading a group of saints in heaven now.
With much love and adoration.
Spring Hill Florida , 1/3/2021
Rebecca Davis Elon MD
February 6, 2011
The Reverend Dick Truitt came to Milwaukee after the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church and the Methodist Church (which occurred in 1968). First EUB became Albright United Methodist and Dick Truitt took the helm. It was a turbulent time for the country and for the church. As I high school student during the VietNam era, I remember Rev. Truitt's Christian Ministry of peace, justice and social activism. He taught me that our response to the political moment must be informed by our religious convictions. He officiated at my wedding at Albright in 1975. I have fond memories of Rev. Truitt and the Truitt family and wish to express my condolences to Barbara, Peter, Ellen, and Paula.
January 13, 2011
Barbara & Dick Truitt, names out of the distant past - the early '50's to be exact.
Barb, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family at this time of sorrow.
Gretchen and Leonard Clegg
Laurie & Jerry Dombrowski
January 11, 2011
It is hard to believe our friendship with Barbara and Dick has spanned over 60 years. We have many special memories of wonderful times spent together. Jerry and I will miss Dick's happy disposition and love of life.
Jay and Diana Dombrowski
January 11, 2011
It doesn’t seem all that long ago that I was a child growing up and playing with the Truitt family. My parents Laurie and Jerry Dombrowski, visited Barb and Dick often and so in 1995 when I got married, to Diana, Dick was the logical choice to perform the service. There are many more memories ranging from trips to Blueberry Hill to Barb and Dick visiting our farm. I shall cherish them because he was, like the whole family, wonderful.
January 11, 2011
From the first time I met Dick and Barbara, I felt like family. I was thrilled when he agreed to officiate at our wedding. He was a very special, loving man and he will be greatly missed. Jay and I send our love and condolences to Barbara and the family.
Nancy Tolvstad
January 11, 2011
To Barbara and family,
My sympathy to all of you for your loss. Barbara, yours and Dick's service to the Onalaska Methodist Church will never be forgotten. My marriage to Wally was one of the first he performed in our Church, Aug 1953. Nellie and Howard Westerhouse were my parents,
Nancy Westerhouse Tolvstad
Onalaska, Wis.
Douglas M. Monsoor
January 11, 2011
condolences upon the loss of a great church leader that helped me along the way!
Doug Monsoor
Ormond Beach, FL
Carol (Huggett) McCombs
January 10, 2011
Dear Barbara and family,
I have so many childhood memories that include you and Dick and your family--outings with other Onalaska Methodist Church families that were a part of the Christian Couples Club--Hatfield, Pine Lake, the beach in Winona, hayrides, when you all dressed in your finest and attended the Onalaska High School Prom--and then Blueberry Hill--and on and on...I remember a visit to River Falls (along with probably the Schuttenhelms and Woggons), and I can still see Dick, doubled over in laughter because, as Dad was backing out of your driveway into the alley, he (Dick) tipped over the garbage cans, causing Dad to slam on the brakes, thinking he had run into something! I think my mother must have sucked in every bit of air in the car! They thought so very highly of you both and cherished your friendship. As I read the other entries in this guest book, I find myself nodding in agreement with all of the sentiments expressed, and believe that, quite possibly, the "mold was broken."
Grace and peace to you all,
Pete Moll
January 10, 2011
I will always remember Dick for giving me great advice. He always stopped to say Hi when passing by and always asked whats going on in the nieghborhood. Dick always knew the "word on the street", or "word in the alley" as those who lived near him know. He will be greatly missed.
Cookie Anderson
January 10, 2011
When I think of Dick Truitt the first word that comes to mind is honorable. Decent is another. Compassionate, too. Dedicated. Involved. Integrity. He paid attention when you talked. Took you seriously. Also had a wry smile & cute laugh. When mutual friend Lucille Evans died & those of us associated with St. Ben's & the Catholic Worker talked about her, Dick got up & was a tad embarrassed that so many of "us" could talk about her & not many of the Methodists could. He then gave loving tributes to her. I always enjoyed my times with Dick. My love and all good goes to each of the Truitt family members.
January 10, 2011
Dick was inspired by so many people and loved by so many people. We are so lucky to have known him for more than 60 years. Polly and Bob Friedrichs, Exeter, N.H.
Joan Matuszak
January 10, 2011
Being very privileged to have known Rev. Truitt since he officiated at my daughter's wedding in 2000, I feel so blessed to have been able to visit he and Mrs. Truitt at their home in Bayview and to have known them as friends. He was very special to my daughter, Dawn, and her husband, Warren. When we would visit them at their home, he would get down on the floor and play with my grandson, Eli, and it just melted my heart to see them enjoy each other ... I saw him as a dear, caring man with a tender heart and so very, very pleasant to know. My sympathy goes out to the all the family, knowing he will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. May God bless and keep you all in His loving care, and hold on to all the precious memories, knowing you were so loved by him, as he was by you!
Sincerely, Joan Matuszak
Ellen Huggett Kolb
January 9, 2011
Although it has been a long time since I have seen the Truitt family, my heart is with you always. I am proud to say that I was baptized by Dick 52 years ago. And I think of him daily, as I look at a beautiful garden print he shot -- it was given to Dennis and I for our wedding almost 15 years ago.
My most treasured childhood memories are those shared with the Truitts for church events and vacation getaways. Our times at Blueberry Hill are flooding to me as I write this. Those were awesome times and wonderful memories of days spent with so many fun-loving people.
Barbara, Peter, Ellen and Paula - may you find strength and comfort, knowing how many lives were touched by your husband and father. I'm delighted to think that he has passed to the other side where so many loved ones have been waiting to greet him.
With love and blessings,
Lisa and Paul Walter
January 9, 2011
Barbara and Truitt Family,
We echo that the whole neighborhood had grown so fond of Dick; he will be so missed by us all. Over the last two decades we always welcomed his friendly hello and to trade a story or a laugh or two. It seemed he had a limitless supply of interesting stories and good advice; ranging from photos he shared taken when Charles Lindberg had been his father-in-law’s roommate at UW Madison, to how he could help us donate our left over building materials to charity. It was apparent how proud he was of his children and grandchildren, and how in love he was with his wife Barbara. Dick was a good model for us all!
January 9, 2011
I knew Dick from the years we shared in River Falls. He was enthusiastic in helping to start our first local grievance committee of the Wisconsin branch of ACLU. We shared many interests and causes in those days. He and Barbara introduced us to Blue Berry Hill which became meaningful to all our family. Dick's goodness and kindness was ever present.
Kay Abbott
Edina, MN
Ellen Huggett Kolb
January 9, 2011
Although it has been many years since I've seen the Truitt family, I have the greatest respect and admiration for Dick. My fondest memories are those our families shared together through church events and vacations. My happiest memories from childhood involve our gatherings at Blueberry Hill.
I am proud to say that I was baptized by Dick 52 years ago. Each day, I think of him as I look at a beautiful floral photo he took as a wedding gift for Dennis and I nearly 15 years ago.
My heart is with you, Barbara, Peter, Ellen and Paula. May all those who left before him now rejoice at his arrival in heaven.
With love,
January 9, 2011
I have nothing but fond, fond memories of my Uncle Dick! He was a very kind, compassionate, loving man, with a great sense of humor, who, in addition to being an inspirational Methodist minister, was also very concerned about social justice and the welfare of ALL people. I am honored to have been a member of his extended family.
David M. Scheer (Seattle, Wa.)
Christel Henke-Moy
January 9, 2011
I will remember Rev. Truitt as a kind and loving man and father. Through the time I spent with the Truitt family, in my friendship with Paula, I recall his patience, his sense of humor and an open-minded nature that always looked for the best in people and situations. I and my family have been so fortunate to have known him and he will be greatly missed. Condolences to the whole family. - Love, Christel, Jim and Nori Moy
Jim Rogan
January 9, 2011
I have been a neighbor Dick's for 15 years. He is the heart and soul of our neighborhood. All of us are better neighbors and better people for having known Dick. A neighborhood without Dick Truitt will be a VERY different thing.
Patty and Brian Thompson
January 9, 2011
Our hearts ache at the loss of Dick. He was a very special friend to us, and we will miss him dearly.
Colleen Huggett Neitzel
January 9, 2011
This is Colleen Huggett Neitzel, daughter of Doug and Mary (now deceased) Huggett, granddaughter of Don & Lorraine Huggett (both deceased). Our family spoke so warmly and highly of Reverend Truitt and his family. He sure made a lasting impression on his flock in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Your husband/father's passing was shared in church this morning at OUMC. May the peace of our Saviour be with you all during this time of celebration of his life. Love and hugs to you!
Mary Gardner ( Porter )
January 9, 2011
I have many wonderful memories of Rev. Dick as I was growing up in Wisconsin, in Spooner and then Milwaukee. He was a very caring gentleman and I was happy to have been influenced by him. God bless his family .
Heidi Siemik (Synergy Home Care)
January 9, 2011
Barbara and the rest of the Truitt family
I only knew Dick for a short time but knew based on the long term friendships he had developed that he had touched many lives. It was a pleasure to have known him. Dick faced the world with dignity, courage and passion for the Lord. I will forever cherish the time I spent with him and Barbara. May the memories you have console you.
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