Richard was called to Jesus on September 2, 2023, at 10:25pm, with his family by his side at Aurora Medical Center. The same day as his granddaughter’s 20th birthday. Richard was born on September 23, 1938, to Doolan and Clara (Schwoerer) Tuma. He graduated from Mishicot High School and enlisted in the US Army in 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1958 serving in Korea and two years additional years in the Army Reserves.
Richard married Janet Havlichek on August 17, 1963, at St. Luke’s Church in Two Rivers, WI. They were in two different hospitals on their 60th wedding anniversary and saw each other via facetime. Janet and Richard are proud parents to their two daughters, Sherrie Tuma Czechanski (Mark Czechanski) and Donna Kay Lonzo (Thomas Radtke). Their lives were blessed with two grandchildren, Marris R. Czechanski and Vincent J. Czechanski.
Richard was employed at the Backhaus Garage as an auto mechanic, Kelvinator in the maintenance department and retired from Kaysun Manufacturing. Richard enjoyed his dart ball leagues, fishing, wine and beer making, as well as woodworking, golfing, playing cards and camping. He was a huge fan of the WI Badgers with season tickets and the Green Bay Packers. He took pride in his Badger and Packer clothing…He was a man of many talents and interesting tales. He was helpful, humorous, and humble. Richard was always the life of the party wherever he went. People gravitated to his personality and silly comments and actions that were hallmark to his wit. Richard will be forever known for his often-used statements, “I’m just resting my eyes” and I said to myself, self…” To his family he enjoyed watching his two daughters grow up and spending time with them. The beautiful memories that Richard created will be the souvenirs of his life, as well as his many diamond art creations that he took great pride in and gave them to others to make them smile.
Richard was predeceased by his wife, Janet Tuma, parents Doolan and Clara (Schwoerer) Tuma, two brothers, Donald and Wayne Tuma, two sister-in laws, Lorraine (Victor) Harding, Carol (Harold) Demell. He is survived by his two daughters Sherrie Tuma Czechanski (Mark Czechanski) and Donna Kay Lonzo (Thomas Radtke), two grandchildren, Marris R. Czechanski and Vincent J. Czechanski. Richard’s cherished grand furbabies Sammy Czechanski and KoKo and Kirby Radtke always brought a smile to his face.
A heartfelt thank you to the entire team at Aurora Hospital, Aurora at Home Hospice, Bay at North Ridge and Harrigan Parkside for the care they gave to Richard and family.
The Celebration of Life will be held at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Saturday, September 23, 2023, on Richard’s 85th Birthday. It was a special blessing that Jesus called her husband Richard on the same day, eight hours after Janet. A memorial service in honor of Richard and Janet will be held by Father Dave Beaudry at 1pm at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home followed by a double celebration of their lives with a Life Celebration Social from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the funeral home.
Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.