Richard E. France

Richard E. France, age 83, of Wautoma, passed away peacefully with family by his side Saturday evening, April 29, 2023 at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh.

He was born July 27, 1939 in Madison, the son of Allen and Viola (Meyer) France. He married the former Susan M. Luhm on February 14, 1971 at St. Michael’s Church in Fountain City, WI. She preceded him in death on March 11, 2002. He married Helen J. (Bislew) Lorenz on October 25, 2003 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wautoma.

Richard started milking cows at age 7. He milked by hand, by pipeline, milking parlor, but had yet to sit under a tree and milk an almond. He was a 1958 graduate of Columbus High School.  In 1959, he entered the 32^nd  Division of the National Guard and later served in the Army Reserves until 1964. He worked as an artificial inseminator for Midwest Breeders of Shawano for 34 years.

Richard became a herdsman at the Bethesda Lutheran Home in Watertown and later managed the Clark, Citgo and Shell Gas Stations in Wautoma. He operated a dealership on the upper mill pond in Wautoma for boats and Johnson motors. He loved fishing in Canada and the Chippewa Flowage. Richard also enjoyed a beer daily at 4:00 p.m.

He is survived by his wife, Helen J. France, Wautoma; three children: Lisa (Jim) Sattler, Poy Sippi, Sara France, Berlin, Joe (Katy) France, Madison; three stepchildren: Donald (Angela) Lorenz, Milwaukee, Cynthia (Jon) Anderson, Redgranite, Amy (Patrick) Reilly, Wautoma; 11 grandchildren: Jacob and Joseph Sattler, Kyle and Addison France, Garrett and Adam Lorenz, Kayla and Ashley Norem, Kirk, Jordan and Trey Reilly; one brother, Douglas (Susan) France, Arlington; sister-in-law, Donna Mae France, Watertown. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Kenneth France and Allen France Jr. in infancy; one sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and William Ziehme.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 12 noon at Hope Lutheran Church in Wautoma with Rev. Paul Michael Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Wautoma Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. A Memorial fund will be established in his name for the Kidney Foundation. The Leikness Funeral Home of Wautoma is assisting the family with arrangements. www.leiknessfuneralhome.com

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Aurora Medical Center for their kindness and compassion.