Richard Hartwig

WAUNAKEE - Richard Hartwig, age 76, of Waunakee, died on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, at his home with family at his side. Richard was born July 11, 1940, in Madison, the son of Robert and Bernel (Lee) Hartwig. After graduating from Monona Grove High School, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Firehammer, daughter of Welton and Mathilda, on Aug. 5, 1961, in Monona. They danced together through 55 years of marriage. Richard joined the Coast Guard and was a member of American Legion Post 360. He went on to graduate from Trinidad Junior College in Colorado with a degree in gunsmithing and applied science, and later from the FBI National Academy. Richard worked as gunsmith at Russell Marina Sports Center before joining law enforcement. During his career, he served as a captain with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department; as an investigator with the Dane County Vice Squad; and as chief of police with the Waunakee Police Department.

A lifelong renaissance man, Richard's retirement was anything but leisurely. He continued his lifelong loves of hunting, gunsmithing and using his hands to create everything from airplanes to musical instruments with a specialty in building ukuleles. His love of music was expressed by singing and playing with the Peace Lutheran choir and the church's contemporary band, Resurrection. An aviation aficionado, he was a longtime member of and volunteer for EAA Chapter 93. He loved to travel with Sandy and even near the end of his days, he said he would like to take one more road trip in their BMW convertible.

His greatest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his wife and three children, daughter, Cynthia Kennedy (William), son, Eric (Margaret), and daughter, Elizabeth McMullen (Christopher); and his grandchildren, Cole, Chris, Katie, Hayden, Elise and Katlyn; and great-grandchildren, Sophia, Scarlett, Sloane and Cash. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Karen); many beloved nieces and nephews; and aunts Mae Hartwig and Helen Hartwig. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Roberta Mattie.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at Peace Lutheran Church, 701 S Century Ave., Waunakee. Rev Karen Locken will preside. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, the family will designate a memorial at a later date.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI