April 10, 2018 – West Bend, WI – Richard “Rick” Wellner, 65, of Black River Falls, WI, passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at home in Black River Falls surrounded by family. Rick was born on July 3, 1952, son of Arthur and Mary (Kielski) Wellner in West Bend, Wisconsin. Rick married Sally Dionne on July 1, 1972 at the United Methodist Church in West Bend.
Rick grew up in West Bend and graduated from West Bend High School. Afterwards, he joined the Army and served a tour in Vietnam. Rick worked for Watertown Police Department and then the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department for 31 years (1974 to 2005), retiring as Chief Deputy. Rick was very well known and respected throughout the law enforcement community. Rick also attended the FBI National Academy.
Rick and Sally loved traveling. Together, they saw many foreign countries. Rick took pleasure building, woodworking, cooking, golfing, hunting, ATVing, kayaking, and scuba diving. Rick liked to fly planes with his private pilot’s license and enjoyed riding his Harley. Rick was well known for his sense of humor and his love for Korbel Brandy.
Rick is survived by his wife, Sally; two sons, Rick (Heidi Pitzner) Wellner and Steven (Amanda) Wellner; three brothers, Ronald (Carol) Wellner, Duane (Connie) Wellner, Michael (Dawn) Wellner; sisters, Sharon Muckerheide, Debbie (John) Ruhnke, Doreen Wellner; and eight grandchildren, Graydon, Brienna, Landon, Calvin, Jake, Billy, Alex, and Owen.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary and brother-in-law, Syl.
Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 noon until 4 p.m., May 19, 2018 at the Fort Atkinson Club Community Center (211 S. Water Street East, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538). Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.