Richard Kultgen

Richard H. “Dick” Kultgen, age 83, of the Town of Port Washington, Wis., passed away peacefully at home on the family farm early Saturday, June 12, 2021.

He was born on July 23, 1937, the son of Raymond and Christine Deppiesse Kultgen.  Upon the death of his father at a young age, his mother married Charles “Dolly” Burton.

Born and raised on the farm with his brother Ray, Dick attended the former Maple Grove School, a one-room schoolhouse just west of the farm. The building still exists and Dick had great memories of those days.

He graduated from Port Washington High School, Class of 1955.

The farm and the cows were his life, but farm life changed when he married Susan M. “Susie” Jackson of Duluth, Minn., on Sept. 5, 1970, at St. Jean-Baptiste Catholic Church in Duluth.

The couple settled back at the Kultgen family homestead in the Town of Port Washington and raised their family.

Dick retired in 2008 but very rarely left the farm. He continued to pridefully supervise.

Over the years, Dick was involved in the community through St. Peter of Alcantara Parish and its Finance Committee and the Port Washington Jaycees.

On the agricultural side, Dick was named Ozaukee County Farmer of the Year in 1971 and was active with the Dairy Herd Improvement Association of Ozaukee and Washington Counties.  For over 23 years, he served with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Farm Service for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

He enjoyed farm life but he said he enjoyed retirement more. He traveled with his wife and especially the grandchildren — he adored his grandchildren. Dick loved to get together with others to talk politics or the weather. He was keenly interested in family and local history, television documentaries and animal shows.

Dick is survived by his three children Sara (Jeff) Robinson of Port Washington, Stacy Eibs of the Town of Port Washington and David (Angie) Kultgen of Milwaukee; three grandchildren, J.J., Andy and Karissa Eibs; and feline friends Pumpkin “the red one,” Vinny “the grey one” and Wheezy “the white one.”  

He is further survived by his sister Diane (Harold) Tackes of Waubeka; his brother Raymond (Gerry) Kultgen of Port Washington; brothers-in-law Dennis Zephran and Joe Schuessler; sisters-in-law Jackie (Mike Hess) Huybers and Mary Jackson; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Susie on June 3, 2020, his sisters Darlene Schuessler and Marilyn Zefran and brother-in-law Michael “Mick” Jackson.

Private family services were held. Interment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington.

Memorials to the charity of your choice are appreciated.

To the staff of the Sharon S. Richardson Hospice and Rocky Knoll Health Care Center of Plymouth, a very heartfelt “Thank you” for the support and care given to Dick and the whole family. You are gratefully appreciated! Also thank you to dear friend Sharon Hirschmann for her dedication, comfort and assistance during these stressful times.

Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.  Information and condolences are available at www.poolefh.com or by calling 284-4431.