Richard D. "Rich" Bell

1933 - 2025

Richard "Rich" D. Bell

August 26, 1933 - July 11, 2025

Richard was born on August 26, 1933 in Chippewa Fall, WI.

At 91 years young he passed away at home on July 11, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Blanche Bell, when Richard was only 6 years old, leaving 13 children. He met his wife Darlene Schleusner and married on July 18, 1953. Rich entered the army on 1/6/1955 and was honorably discharged on 12/31/1962. Rich held many interesting jobs that he often spoke of: cutting ice at Half Moon Lake and working for Pepsi, he then landed at Uniroyal where he worked from 1953-1968 until an injury on the job. Faced with a family to take care of, he then returned to school to get a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from UWEC, then went on to get a Masters Degree in Vocational Rehab from UW-Stout in 1973. He worked for the State of Iowa at a Vocational Rehab center and then went to work for Eau Claire County as the Director of Children's Court Services until he retired. After retirement he helped his children with their adventures, remodeling rental properties and working as a cook at the Sheely House in Chippewa Falls. He loved going to Las Vegas and the local casinos. He was a great chauffeur to his grandchildren, making sure to pick them up and get them home safely and he loved to check in with his great grandchildren and keep up on their sports and adventures.

Rich is survived by his wife Darlene of 72 years. His children Paula (Steven) Stark, Susan (Jeff) Molitor, Peter Bell. His grandchildren Heather (James) Stewart, Kendra (Chris) Bailey, and Taylor Bell, his great grandchildren Tristan Stark, Jasper Stark, Brianna Bailey and Jackson Bailey.

He is also survived by a sister, Betty Wolter, sister- in-laws Geraldine Sleep and Vicki Schleusner, a brother- in- law Dale Schleusner and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his grandson Nicholas Stark, brothers James Bell, John Bell, Burton Bell, Thomas Bell, Marshall Bell, Gerald Bell, William Bell and sisters Lillian Stokes, Donna Kohnke, Shirley Ertz, and Margret Wallace sister-in-law Joan Schleusner, Brother-in-laws David Schleusner, William Sleep and Robert Tiller,

Funeral service for Rich will take place at 11 am on Monday, July 21, 2025 at Hulke Family Funeral Home. Visitation will take place that day at the funeral home from 9:30 am until the time of service. His final resting place will be in the Chapel of the Resurrection Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery in Eau Claire. Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.