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Richard Hurlbut Obituary
Richard W. Hurlbut, Ph.D., age 63, of Waupaca, WI passed away suddenly on Friday, June 6th, 2014 at Ministry St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, WI. He was born in Stevens Point, WI, on October 23, 1950, a son of the late Kenneth and Elizabeth (Swan) Hurlbut.
As evidence of a life well lived, Rick was surrounded by loved ones including family and long time personal friends during his peaceful passing.
Dr. Hurlbut obtained his Doctorate degree from UW-Madison in 1980. Since 1981 he has been a practicing psychologist in Stevens Point. Dr. Hurlbut was Past-President of both the Wisconsin Psychological Association and the Society of Clinical and Consulting Psychologists. He is the current President of the Wisconsin Psychology Foundation and was an elected member of the Wisconsin Representatives for the American Psychological Association. His professional awards, honors and accolades are too numerous to list.
Rick's love of people and adventure took him all over the world. He and his then-wife Connie Haack-Hurlbut, whom he was married to for 24 years, often flew in a private plane Rick piloted. He loved boating on the Chain, sailing in the Virgin Islands, scuba diving in Australia and especially his 35 years of attending the Indy 500.
Rick was passionate about music and never missed an opportunity to attend a live show. His love of the Rolling Stones, straight-forward Blues and anything that kept the body moving was well known to his friends.
Rick was a voracious reader, often reading multiple books at a time. He quoted Shakespeare, Vonnegut and Follett with equal ease and affection. He was a master conversationalist and always had a fresh joke to accompany his warm smile. He lived for baseball and celebrated in great style when his Boston Red Sox finally won the Series.
Rick deeply understood and consistently practiced the true meaning of friendship. He never turned down an opportunity to help a friend or offer his wise advice when asked.
Survivors include a Sister: Shirley (Earl) Newby, Kenosha, WI; Brother: Dave (Jan) Hurlbut, Lakewood, WI; Sister: Betty (Robert) Kessler, Waupaca, WI. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Kenneth Hurlbut, Jr.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Holly Funeral Home located at 526 S. Main Street in Waupaca at 3PM on Friday, June 20, 2014. Visitation will be held from 1 PM until 3 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hurlbut
Constance J Norby
June 5, 2025
Dr Hurlbut, you have enriched my life in so many ways. I could not have gotten through the hardest time in my life without your support, wisdom and guidance. I still think of you very often. Thank you.
Connie Norby
June 5, 2024
Dr. Hurlbut, I still think of you very often as I face life challenges and recall the words of wisdom you shared with me all those years ago. I am forever grateful for your kindness, caring and support.
Connie Norby
June 6, 2023
Dr. Hurbut, I still think of you so often. You have changed my life for the better in so many ways and were there for me and my children during our darkest hour. Words cannot express how thankful I am to you.
Atty. Raj Singh
July 16, 2014
Dr. Hurlbut's opinions on legal competency were un-impeachable. As a forensic psychologist, he spoke with authority and received respect.
Debbie Niespodziani (Dahl)
July 13, 2014
Dear Hurlbut family,
I just heard of Rick's passing and wanted to send my deepest sympathies .
As mentioned on a previous entry, Rick was my English teacher at Delavan Darien High School. He was everything Steve Starin mentioned. He was close to our age when he came to our school to teach, we were seniors so he seemed like one of us. He was a confidente to many. He often told us if we ever needed to talk to anyone, his door was open. This was in 1972-73. So you know there was MUCH to talk about! He volunteered...to chaperone our senior class trip to Niagra Falls. I have the pictures to prove it! He helped make that trip memorable to those of us lucky to have spent a week on a bus with him. I have no doubt he helped many people after he left our school. He certainly helped that small senior class of DDHS back in 1973. Here's to you Mr. Hurlbut.......thanks for caring and listening.
June 22, 2014
Met and Knew Rick from his start in Psychology...bouncer at the Indian River Crossing Casino in Waupaca. Talk about gentle giant. Met him years later and he still was..a tribute to a kind and good man.
Julie Houg
June 18, 2014
Rick, you were a gentleman and a gentle man. We seldom met, but when we did the conversation was wonderful. I'll never forget The Great Pontoon Caper! Rest well!
Connie Norby
June 13, 2014
Thank you Dr. Hurlbut for the care and support during the scariest time in my life. You were there for me and my son. You are a hero to me.
Connie Norby
June 13, 2014
Dr. Hurlbut was there for me during my darkest hour. He got me and my son through a terrible time and he will always be a hero to me.
Sharon Peters
June 13, 2014
Dear Connie and Rick's family,
Sympathy to all at the passing of someone so important to not only you, but too many. Rest in peace Dr. Hurlbut and many kudos on a life VERY well lived.
Russ Haack
June 12, 2014
Sad but the true influence of this man on the lives of so many comes upon his passing. As a young man I looked up to this very gentle giant, he was the spark that lit my life long passion of flying. I have fond memories of cigars, conversation and the comfort of his company. Brother-in-Law... Russ
Diane Marquardt
June 12, 2014
I was lucky enough to have worked for Dr. Hurlbut. He was a great boss and a good friend. A very compassionate and caring person.
Linda FT
June 12, 2014
I had been his patient for 3 years; I saw him just 1/1-2 weeks ago. As his illness progressed, he and I incorporated many of his memories of books, and traveling, and people we both knew. I remember asking him at our first session how much he really cared; he said that if he stopped then it would be time to hang up his hat. He saw patients right to the end. I'm really going to miss him.
Jim Rowbottom
June 12, 2014
Rick was one of my favorite students in 50 years of teaching. We still kept in touch. I'm proud of all he accomplished.
Debbie Arnold
June 12, 2014
Sorry to hear of Dr. Ricks' passing he was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. Prayers are with you Dr. Connie
Michele Last
June 11, 2014
So shocked to read about RWH. He will always be RWH to me. I worked for him for 13 years. A wonderful person to work for. When I read this I couldn't help but say to Donald, " Connie wrote this." Love to you Connie and to the family.
Rick & Rena Sheldon
June 11, 2014
We were deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Rick's passing. He was a great man and will be sorely missed by many.
Steve Starin
June 11, 2014
So sorry to hear of Ricks Passing.
He was my English teacher at Delavan-Darien HS in the early '70's.He was like one of our classmates.He was a mentor and a friend and a whole hell of a lot of fun.Frighteningly intelligent but straight down to earth.I had the pleasure of having drinks and dinner with Rick in 2010 when he was at the Abbey resort for a conference.It was his 60th birthday and the world series was on so you know there was a little cocktailing going on.We hadn't seen each other in over 25 years.Always one of my favorite guys.He had myself and several other classmates up to his beloved chain in I believe 1974 for a day of canoeing and boating and general revelry.Took us on the excursion boat,the ski Nautique ski boat and his Dad's classic 1940's Chris Craft.Never forget that day,never forget that man.Sail on Rick,you were a beauty.
Jennifer Hasse-Rau
June 11, 2014
Dr. Rick (as I have known him since we worked together years ago at the day treatment program in Stevens Point) will surely be missed by many. He was a truly kind and genuine soul who could find aspects of a case you hadn't considered and make you think about things from a different perspective. He could relate to the aching heart of a young child in need and put them at ease with just the sound of his voice. He was the go-to guy for many of us in my current job when we needed someone to take an objective look into a client's needs. And his constant willingness to help people in any way he could made him unforgettable. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, close friends, and the community that has lost one of the best. Rest in peace Dr. Rick.
Carole Cassidy
June 11, 2014
Betty,
So sad to read of Rick's passing. I called Karen and informed her. She will contact you soon. Enjoyed our visit at your home.
Carole Mattson Cassidy
Cathy Lauer
June 11, 2014
sorry for your loose. with all the great things he did no wonder he was a great Pysc. doctor
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A. J. Holly & Sons Funeral Home - Waupaca526 South Main Street PO Box 254, Waupaca, WI 54981
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