Captain Richard Rex Wartenberg

Captain Richard Wartenberg, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.)
Age 57 • Independence, Kentucky • Formerly of Middletown, Ohio

Richard Rex Wartenberg, 57, of Independence, Kentucky, formerly of Middletown, Ohio, passed away tragically on November 4, 2025, in a UPS plane accident.

Born in Wheeling, WV and raised in Woodsfield, Ohio and Lebanon, Ohio, and a proud 1986 graduate of Lebanon High School, Richard dedicated his life to his Christian faith, family, service, and flying. He commissioned in the United States Air Force in June 1994 and completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base, where he flew both the T-37 and T-38 aircraft. Over the course of a distinguished 22-year military career, Lt. Col. Wartenberg served with the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He flew the C-141 Starlifter, C-5 Galaxy, and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, logging more than 5,000 military flight hours. He retired in 2016 as a Command Pilot and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his selfless and faithful service to his country.

In addition to his military service, Richard was a respected Captain for UPS Airlines, where his skill, decisiveness, and fun-loving demeanor earned him the deep respect of his colleagues.

Richard was a man of both strength and gentleness - steady, deliberate, and deeply devoted to his family. He married the love of his life, Maria (née Kollner), in 1998, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. He was an incredibly proud father to Isabel "Izzy" Wartenberg and Christian Wartenberg, always striving to be present and involved even during his demanding flight schedule.

Richard's family remembers him as the "calm in the storm" - generous, compassionate, and protective. He was known for his ability to make others feel safe, always finding a way to make difficult moments less frightening. He treated everyone like family, from his own children to nieces, nephews, God children, and neighborhood friends.

When home, Richard loved woodworking, tinkering with his cars, watching movies with his kids, and participating in competitive shooting. He also shared a passion for automobiles as a longtime member of the Ohio Valley Region Porsche Club of America, where he enjoyed high-performance driving and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.

Richard's greatest joy was his family. He and Maria were known for hosting gatherings full of warmth, laughter, and good food - often joined by their beloved dogs Angus, Heidi, and Tater (and the late Tutti Fruitti). Earlier this year, he took his family to Hawaii to celebrate Christian's graduation and to share one of his favorite places in the world with them. It was a trip they won't soon forget.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Sharon Wartenberg (née Black), whose example of strength and self-sacrifice shaped his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Maria Wartenberg; daughter Isabel "Izzy" Wartenberg; son Christian Wartenberg; sister Lindsay (Jim) Bremar; brother Donald (Denise) Wartenberg; and many extended family members, friends, and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory.

Richard will be remembered for his devotion to Christ and his family, his vibrant sense of humor, and his willingness to lend a hand that brought comfort to all who knew him.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 5:00PM-7:30PM at Linnemann Funeral Homes Burlington 1940 Burlington Pike. Burlington, KY 41005.

A reverent Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00AM at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Independence, KY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to: St. Cecelia Catholic Church 5313 Madison Pike Covington, KY, 41015, Holy Cross High School 3617 Church St. Covington, KY 41015, and St. Vincent de Paul Society of Northern Kentucky 2655 Crescent Springs Pike Erlanger, KY 41017.

Online condolences or stories can be made to: www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com