Richard L. Stickler

Richard Lee Stickler, 76, died June 5, 2021, at his home in Monona. He was born on March 21, 1945, to Perl and Ina May (Butler) Stickler in Wolf Lake, Ind. He graduated from Arizona State University in 1969 with a bachelor’s of science in electronic technology with distinction, which he celebrated with a new pair of cowboy boots and a brand new 1969 Chevelle. 

Rich was united in marriage with Rosalie May McDaniel on Feb. 14, 1971, in Glendale, Ariz. Two children were born to this union, Shane and Sheryl.

Rich worked for Honeywell, troubleshooting for Washington D.C. computer systems over the phone and traveling when necessary. He had the honor of working on a key element on a NASA launch unit. Working for John Deere brought him from Arizona to Missouri to Iowa.  

Rich and his family moved to Monona in 1983, where he worked at Monona Wire as engineering director for over 25 years until his retirement. 

Rich loved playing his pedal steel guitar, archery with his children, woodworking, loud engines and his four grandchildren. Rich always had projects in progress, notebooks of plans and had a patience with teaching others and troubleshooting engines in the garage. In retirement, he enjoyed working in the yard, frequent trips to Farm and Home and feeding the birds and squirrels. 

He was preceded in death by his mother Ina May Stickler and father Perl B. Stickler. 

Rich is survived by his wife Rosalie Stickler of 50 years; children, Shane (Sarah) Stickler of Riceville and Sheryl (Tim) Ward of Orlando, Fla.; and grandchildren, Paige, Erik and Isa Ward and Case Richard Stickler. 

Visitation will be Sunday, June 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home, Monona.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 14, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home, Monona.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, is helping the family with the arrangements.