Richard William Viesselmann

Richard William Viesselmann

Richard W. Viesselmann, of Grafton and formerly of Wonewoc, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton at the age of 84.

Richard was born on August 21, 1941, to Elmer and Norma (nee Hennings) Viesselmann and was one of the first babies born at the new St. Alphonsus Hospital in Port Washington. He was baptized on September 14, 1941, at St. John Lutheran Church in Lakefield/Grafton. He was raised on the Hennings Homestead Farm, attended a one-room school in Lakefield, and graduated from Grafton High School in 1959.

Throughout his life, Richard had a deep love for farming and hard work. He helped on his family’s dairy farm, worked for H&K Concrete Company, served as Vice President of the Grafton CO-OP Equity Oil Company, and plowed snow in his spare time. In 1963, he became an electrician and worked for several companies including, Dobberpuhl, Wester, Olsen, Bergin, and Roman, and after 19 years with Pieper Electric Company, he retired in December of 2001.

Richard was united in marriage to Marie (nee Kroner) Hilmes on June 28, 1980. Together they raised their family, and Richard was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and step-grandfather. He took great pride in all of his children and grandchildren and treated everyone as his own. Family was central to his life, and he was known for calling and singing “Happy Birthday” on special days.

Richard was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Grafton, serving in the choir, church council, Dart Ball League, and volunteering at church dinners. After retiring, Richard and Marie moved to Wonewoc in 2004, where they built their dream home on wooded land they lovingly cleared and maintained. He continued farming, ran a sawmill, cut firewood, and cared for their 25 acres. While living in Wonewoc, he was also a member of Grace Community Church. Recently, Richard and Marie relocated back to Grafton due to Richard’s health concerns.

Richard was known for his quiet nature, warm humor, generosity, and willingness to help others. His familiar greetings, favorite sayings, and jokes will be fondly remembered. He enjoyed model trains, farming equipment, and his pole barn full of treasured “good junk.”

Richard and Marie enjoyed traveling in their motor home, visiting family and friends, and belonged to Roadtrek International, Wisconsin Voyagers RV Clubs, and the Square Benders square dancing club. Together they traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. In total, they were able to visit 38 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They also traveled to Canada, Mexico, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Richard is survived by his wife, Marie Viesselmann; children Steve (Sara) Viesselmann and Ann (Aaron) Becker; stepchildren Debra (Todd) Jones, Carol (Tim) Wiebold, and Michelle Hilmes; grandchildren Katie, Christopher, and Brandon; great granddaughter, Amelia, step-grandchildren Sarah, Andrew, Shalie, Kelly, and Sarah Marie Heine; step-great-grandchildren Ashley, Jordan, Rylee, Binh, and Mia; step great-great grandchild, Elliott, siblings Pat (Ron) Stifter, David Viesselmann, and Peter (Kathie) Viesselmann; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Nancy Koelle.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, (1193 Lakefield Rd.), Grafton, with visitation from 11:00 AM until 12:45 PM. Interment will follow at Lakefield Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Association, or the American Kidney Foundation.