Richard Lee Taft

Richard Lee Taft, 88 of Rice Lake passed away February 9, 2015 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home.  He was born in Barron County, Wisconsin to Lyle and Vivian (Robinson) Taft November 16, 1926.

Richard graduated from Chetek High School in 1944.  He married Arlene May Joelson November 26, 1949 at Arlene’s parents’ home on Prairie Lake.  Together they raised 5 children and farmed east of Chetek and in New Auburn.  Sometime later he was a salesman for Fuller Brush products along with his wife.   Richards lifetime love was for fishing, year round fishing.

Richard is survived by his three children; Sandra (Bryce) Harelstad of New Auburn, WI, Ann (Ed Parr) Taft of Stone Lake, WI, Steve (Trilby Browning) Taft of Tucson, AZ; 9 grandchildren, Jason (Tammy) Harelstad, Jeremy (Anita) Harelstad, Michelle (Jason) Schultz, Melissa (Adam) Mikl, Jordan (Shawna Knudson) Harelstad, Joshua Amorelli, Adam Taft, Ashley (Luke) Sundeen, Andrea (R.W.) Lemmons, 10 great-grandchildren; Whitely, Alexia, A.J., Olivia, Isabelle Harelstad,Riley Schultz, Taylor Harelstad, Lilyauna, Robbie Lemmons, Boston Sundeen and a sister-in-law, Cleo Taft of Chetek, WI.  He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Greg Taft, brother Wayne Taft and step-mother Catherine (Rhone) Taft.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. at Dovre Lutheran Church on Thursday, February 12, 2015 with Pastor Guy Redfield officiating.  The family will be greeting guests one hour prior to the service.  Burial will take place at Dovre Cemetery in the Spring 2015.  A luncheon and continued fellowship will follow after the service in the church hall.  Please view and sign the online guestbook at www.burnhamours.com .

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.