It is with great heartache and sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Richard E. Rechtenbach on Monday, June 6, 2022, at the age of 63. He was doing what he loved in the Wyoming wilderness, camping, enjoying wildlife and the outdoors with his wife and friends.
Richard E. Rechtenbach was born June 1, 1959, in Oakland, to Robert and Shirley Rechtenbach. Richard spent most of his childhood in Milford, where he graduated from Milford High School in 1977. After graduating high school, Richard briefly worked on bridge construction before starting work at the Crete Mills in November 1977. Richard started dating Rita DiVona his senior year of high school and they married April 2, 1978, and started their life together in Milford. Within a couple years, they moved to Crete, and their son, Jeremy, was born June 6, 1982.
Richard’s priorities were providing for his family and spending time with them. He collected and drove muscle cars, mostly Mopars, and they attended swap meets and car events together. The family went on many trips throughout the country, including Yellowstone and many national parks. Richard loved hunting and he and his family developed a love of the mountains, the outdoors and wildlife.
Richard retired from the Crete Mills in March 2015 and the couple moved to Wyoming to start their new life adventure on April 2, 2015. Richard was always designing, fabricating and building things. As a do-it-your-selfer, he was innovative and never afraid to take on a challenge, including building their home on six acres near Afton, Wyoming.
Richard enjoyed exploring the mountains and hunting with Rita by his side. He attained the dream of elk and antelope hunting on nearby public lands and loved sharing his smoked summer sausage with everyone.
Richard was honest, generous and happiest spending time with those he loved and making people laugh. He was a faithful husband, father and friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Richard had a larger-than-life personality and will be missed by many.
Richard Rechtenbach is survived by his wife, Rita, of 44 years of Afton; his son, Jeremy, of Lincoln; his sister, Lynn Bartlett of Crete; and many other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley Karpisek and Robert Rechtenbach.
A Nebraska Celebration of Life will be Saturday, July 23, at 1 p.m. at the Crete Berean Church with casual dress suggested. Condolences may be left for the family online at ballardfh.com.
