Richard G. Rathsack

Richard George Rathsack
July 12, 1948 - Jan. 15, 2026

His laugh. That's usually what first springs to mind when people remember Richard George Rathsack, who passed away peacefully Jan. 15, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77.

It was a hearty laugh erupting from Richard's entire body, reverberating off walls and echoing throughout the neighborhood. To the uninitiated, it could be both alarming and immediately disarming - generating smiles and snickers while wondering what on earth could be so funny. Along with his laugh, he also frequently cracked jokes, always looking for an opportunity to let out another roaring chuckle.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janet (Banker) Rathsack; children Kelly (Neal) Warnken, Susan (Steven) Rooney; Daniel (Christina) Rathsack and Richard (Lisa) Rathsack Jr.; grandchildren Brooke (Joe) Newton, Nick Rooney, Kylie McMahon, Jake McMahon, Julianna Rathsack and Isabella Rathsack; and great grandchildren Addison Newton and Scarlett Jo Newton; his siblings: Bill (Judy) Rathsack, Kathy (Jim) Gerrits, Mary Lou (Don) Vande Hey, Betty (Art) Zabel, Luane (Dick) Osborne, Jerry Rathsack, Paul (Kim) Rathsack, Jean Kessler, Jim Rathsack, Pat (Monica) Rathsack.

Richard was one of 16 children born to the late Quintin "Bud" Rathsack and Kathleen "Kitty" (Hawley) Rathsack, who grew up on the family farm in Greenville. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Robert, David, Tom Sr., and Joseph Rathsack and his sister Ruthie Tlamka.

After graduating from Xavier High School, Richard served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. In the Army, he gained an appreciation for construction and excavation while helping to build airfields and other structures.

Returning from Vietnam, he put those construction skills to use in a career spanning decades, mostly with Trico Excavating working with his brothers on many prominent buildings throughout the region such as the Fox River Mall. In winter, he'd use the machines to plow snow at many of the very same buildings.

When not working, he spent a lot of time fishing throughout northern Wisconsin and, along with his wife, transforming their yard into a refuge with flowerbeds, gardens, trees and a goldfish pond. He closely followed Wisconsin sports – watching the Packers and Bucks play or listening to a Brewers game on the radio while sitting on the patio or shooting hoops in the driveway. He enjoyed playing horseshoes with his brothers during family gatherings, exclaiming a loud "Sunday!" when someone threw a ringer.

Being a grandfather brought Richard years of joy. Having his grandchildren around, or even just listening to their humorous antics, always brought a beaming smile to his face. He approached being a grandpa with a warmth and gentleness one might not expect from a heavy machine operator.

Richard's generous spirit also stands out. He showed his devotion to his loving wife Janet right up to the very end. When not out fishing or working on his yard, he spent countless hours helping friends, neighbors and family any way he could. In true Wisconsin fashion, repayment for help usually consisted of a case of Budweiser, which he would offer to anyone who stopped by for a visit or enjoy after the project was finished. His family often located him in the neighborhood by listening for his laugh.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 26, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St,. Appleton. Receiving hours will take place two hours before the service, beginning at 3 p.m. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.