Richard Reuben “Dick” Lettenberger, age 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice Center in Sheboygan, WI surrounded by family.
He was born on June 22, 1935 in Manitowoc, WI son of the late Arnold and Ida (Krueger) Lettenberger. He was a graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School class of 1955. He was also a part of the U.S. Army Reserves -Silver Creek Center in Manitowoc, WI.
On October 1, 1955 he married the late Genrose “Genny” Lettenberger at St. Gregory Catholic Church in St. Nazianz, WI. She was his loving wife of 56 years and a beloved father to their seven children.
He is survived by his seven children and their families. Mike (Janice) Lettenberger of Manitowoc, WI, and their children Christa (Clint) Collier of Fort Worth, TX and Jason (Annie) of Brookfield WI; Sue Lettenberger of Manitowoc, WI, and her children Nick (Sam) Wachtel of Antigo, WI, Andrew Wachtel of Manitowoc, WI and Brad (Jen) Wachtel of Sobieski, WI; Terry (Linda) Lettenberger of Pawnee, OK and their children, Angie of Wichita KS, Jenny (Brandon) Klick of Nashwauk, MN and TJ (Kelsey) of Andover KS; Cindy (Bill) Wallace of Weyauwega, WI, and their children Josh (Jennie Rae) of Green Bay, WI and Ben of Weyauwega, WI; Steve(Tracy) Lettenberger of Manitowoc, WI and Tiffany (Jon) Hanson of Manitowoc, WI; Randy Lettenberger and fiancé Julie Wiltman of Manitowoc, WI and their children Carlye (Troy) Prochnow of Brillion, WI, Kaylin of Manitowoc, WI along with Kole (Courtney) Wiltman of Manitowoc, WI and Kylie (Zakk) Seefeldt of Francis Creek, WI; Dale(Kate) Lettenberger of Frederick, CO and their children Megan Lettenberger (TY) Vincent of Firestone, CO, Olivia of Denver, CO and Rick of Bremerton, WA. There are also numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren along with nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Ida (Krueger) Lettenberger, his wife; Genny, sister; Marjorie O’Sullivan and granddaughter; Tara Sousek.
Dick had a passion for fishing. He and Genny founded Big Family Charters until handing it over to two of his sons. He was a proud member of the North-Eastern Wisconsin Great Lakes Sports Fishing Club (NEWGLSF) for many years. Under his chartering guidance, Big Family Charters won numerous tournaments. One of his proudest moments was winning the Bob Uecker Fishing Tournament in Kenosha with his sons Steve and Randy, and friend Steve Grimm. Along with fishing, he had a desire for carpentry. He worked at Industrial Millwork for 32 years. He had helped with various house builds throughout the community which led him to building his own homes. He took unique ideas from each house and incorporated them into each of the houses he built. At the end of a long day, you would find him enjoying a whiskey old fashioned and playing cribbage. Even when it wasn’t the time, he’d always said “It is 3 O’clock somewhere.”
A memorial service to celebrate Dick’s life will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community Church, 8100 Brunner Rd., Newton, WI with Rev. David Beaudry celebrating the Mass of Christian Burial. The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. Cremation has taken place. Military honors will follow mass thereafter. Inurnment will be at Calvary Mausoleum in Manitowoc for immediate family only at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dick’s name to the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice Center in Sheboygan, WI.
We want to thank the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice Center, especially his nurse Sam.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dick will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. FISH ON!
