Richard "Dick" S. Clements

Richard “Dick” S. Clements, age 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Laurel Manor in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

If you knew Dick, a few words likely come to mind: charismatic, kind, positive, loving, honest, hard-working, deeply appreciative, and generous. He made sure to check in with friends and family regularly—he truly cared about how everyone was doing. Dick loved family deeply and often said, “How lucky can one guy be?”

Dick and his twin sister, Rita, were born on December 31, 1934, to LaMont and Josephine (Hundt) Clements on the family farm in Portland. Sadly, Rita passed away shortly after birth. Growing up on the Ridge taught Dick the value of hard work from an early age—milking cows, mending fences, and harvesting tobacco were all part of daily life and helped shape the man he would become.

After completing the 8th grade, Dick and his cousin Bob (Monsignor Robert Hundt) entered the Seminary. Two years later, Dick returned to the Ridge to help on the farm and went on to graduate from Cashton High School, where he played football and baseball and—true to his charm—was crowned Prom King. Following high school, he attended UW–Platteville for a year, studying engineering, before proudly joining the Army in 1954.

Dick served in Germany for two years during the Korean Conflict. His role as a supply officer, his time abroad, and the experience of serving his country left a lasting impression. True to his generous spirit, it was later discovered that he often sent his paychecks home to his mother—a gesture that was classic Dick, always thinking of others.

On December 1, 1956, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Esther Robertson, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, projects, adventures, family, and love.

As a young father, Dick found creative ways to provide for his growing family—cutting cord for the Robertson Transmitter, selling Christmas trees in the front yard, and hanging holiday lights in the winter. He and Marilyn made it a priority to take their children on family trips every year, creating a lifetime of joyful memories. Dick was proud to pass on that same sense of adventure to his children and grandchildren.

In his 30s, Dick discovered his true passion: real estate. He and Marilyn co-owned La Crosse Realty for a time, and Dick went on to spend more than 50 years in the industry, helping countless families, farmers, and business owners buy and sell their homes, farms, and businesses. Although he received awards and recognition—including Realtor of the Year, serving as President of the La Crosse Board of Realtors, and achieving Realtor Emeritus status—he never boasted about his accomplishments. What mattered most was helping people find a place to call home, and many of his clients became lifelong friends. Fittingly, his final outgoing phone call was to a former colleague, Char, congratulating her on a lifetime of achievement. Classic Dick.

Dick also knew how to enjoy life. He loved dancing at the Avalon, neighborhood gatherings on Hagen Road, and making the most of every moment with family. He cherished visits to local watering holes (more recently, “Tuesdays with Tim”), the annual family trip to Sunny’s, fishing with his buddies, and teaching the littles to fish off the dock. He patiently helped them with their lines and celebrated every catch.

He also taught all of his children and grandchildren how to skillfully play cards—and educated newcomers (especially sons-in-law) on proper euchre etiquette when needed. A sharp and strategic player, he rarely lost at gin. If one of his kids happened to beat him, you can be sure the others got a text about it.

Over the years, he and Marilyn took countless trips to Las Vegas and spent many winters in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they enjoyed ball games, casinos, nightlife, and sunshine with friends. Even after Marilyn’s passing in 2006, she remained the center of his heart. He spoke to her daily and often asked her to keep him out of trouble—she did her best.

Of all his roles in life, none meant more than being a father and grandfather. He is survived by his children: Terry (David) Lee, Tim Clements, Rita (Tim) Miller, Renee (Mark) Hood, and Lynn (Paul) Lamke; 10 grandchildren: Amanda (Matt) Zieba, Katie (fiancé Adam Eide), Maggie (Tommy) Luers, Jake Clements, Jason (Whitney) Miller, Jennifer (Ryan) Peikert, Jamie (Wes) Hill, Jessica (Luke) Brown, Emma (Dan) Usgaard, and Caroline Lamke; and 18 great-grandchildren who adored him as “Papa Dicko.”

Papa Dicko—also lovingly called Gramps—was endlessly proud of his grands and greats. He loved to hear about their days and their accomplishments, and it often brought tears to his eyes. Their joy was his joy, and celebrating their milestones was one of his greatest blessings.

That same love extended to the rest of his family, including his siblings and their spouses: Sandra McCormick, Jack (Sandra) Clements, Ron (Tina) Clements, Dave (Carlynn) Clements, and Susan (Tom) Zurbriggen; his “adopted” children Mike (Joy Dicey) Symons and Diane (Robert) Reinhart; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews (who held a very special place in his heart), and lifelong friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sister, Rita; his in-laws: Jane Clements, Richard McCormick, Dave and Laurie Rudrud, and Kay and Willard Lund; as well as his great-niece, Allison Kupinski, and nephews Joe Clements and Dave Rudrud.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 25, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Onalaska. Monsignor Steven Kachel will officiate. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in La Crosse.

Visitation will be held from 4:30–7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 24, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in Onalaska, and again at the church one hour prior to the Mass.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Laurel Manor for caring for and loving Dick during his last 18 months. He cherished the friendships he made there. They also wish to thank Dr. Mike Dolan for his lifelong care of our dad, and the Emplify Health Hospice team for their compassionate support during his final days.

Memorials may be directed to the Freedom Honor Flight, JWJJ, Emplify Health Hospice, or a charity of your choice.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Peace.