Richard Steve Omernik

Richard Steve Omernik, of Plover, passed away November 16, 2025, at Whispering Pines in Plover, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's, at the age of 85.
Richard was born August 8, 1940, in King, WI; son of the late Steve and Della (Lorbeski) Omernik. He was the second child of six siblings, all raised in a Polish household that was filled with hard work, home cooking, and polkas on the radio. From a young age, Richard enjoyed school and participated in several sports including swimming and football, where he was singled out as a "demon of defense" by the Stevens Point Journal. Richard was chosen as senior class president at PJ Jacobs High School; a role he took very seriously, as he then coordinated class reunions for decades afterwards, for the Class of 1958.
Richard met his forever love, Karen, at a wedding when they were teenagers. They stayed in contact throughout high school and while Richard spent three years in the Navy as a radio operator, serving in Guam and parts of the US. They married shortly after his return and celebrated their 63rd anniversary this year. Richard then began a career at Consolidated Papers, working shift work for 15 years before being chosen as lab supervisor and complaint analyst for the remainder of his 38 year career. Richard and Karen had three children in quick succession, filling their lives with family road trips, music and sporting events, all while modeling their hard work ethic. When they became grandparents, they doted on their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and could hardly wait for their next visit. Richard loved country music, BBQ ribs, cars, lifting weights, working in his yard and long car rides. He was known by family and close friends for his ability to give wonderful hugs, a memory we will cherish forever.
Richard is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Deb (Troy) Aeby, Doug (Barbie) Omernik, and Susan (Brian) Jensen; his grandchildren, Lance (Morgan) Aeby, Leah (Charlie) Greiber, Lauren (Paul) Marszalkowski, Elliot (Michaela) Omernik, Andrea Omernik, Brandon Jensen, and Mathew (Marissa) Jensen; and his great-grandchildren, Willa and Felix Jensen, Emily Omernik and Miles Aeby. He is further survived by his siblings, Carolyn Giese, Jerry (Roxy) Omernik, Tom (Sandi) Omernik, and Kathy (Gary) Omernik; his sisters-in-law, Jeanette Omernik and Karleen Sundby; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Della; a brother, Donald Omernik; and a brother-in-law, Jim Giese.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Aspirus Hospice, especially Hayley, and Whispering Pines for the comfort and care provided to our beloved Richard. Their hugs and compassion helped see us through.
For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Richard's honor to the Alzheimer's Association (donorservices.alz.org) or Global Lyme Alliance (globallymealliance.org).
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Shuda Funeral Chapel - 3200 Stanley Street, Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Services will conclude with Full Military Honors. A private burial will be held at a later date at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wisconsin Rapids.
Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family.