Laufenberg, Richard “Dick” Casper

Richard “Dick” Casper Laufenberg, aged 84, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 22, of natural causes. Born on December 31, 1940, in Dodgeville, he was the son of Casper and Viola (Blabaum) Laufenberg. Richard's journey began in Highland Schools, when he met Sharon Tucker, the love of his life, in 1956. They married on August 13, 1960, and initially resided in the village of Highland for seven years before moving to the Tucker family farm outside of Highland where they raised their six children. They supported them in their various activities and sports throughout their high school and college years. In later years, Richard took great joy in attending his grandchildren’s events. They dedicated many years to farming until they bought a house in Highland in 2011 and resided there the rest of their lives. 

During his high school years, Richard was an enthusiastic participant in football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating from Highland High School, he spent a year at UW-Platteville before embarking on a career at American Motors in Kenosha, WI. He later worked at John Deere in Dubuque, IA, before transitioning to work as a mason tender for Marion Pierick. In 1968, Richard pursued his passion by purchasing the business and establishing Laufenberg Masonry. Over the years, his children joined him in the business, which became a cornerstone of the community, employing many local residents. In 1990, his sons Steve and Mark became business partners, followed by Allen in 2009. Richard retired in 2014 after 46 years, leaving behind a legacy of countless buildings he helped construct. In 2018, Laufenberg Masonry celebrated its 50th anniversary, a testament to Richard's dedication and hard work. His accomplishments were further recognized in 2021 when he was inducted into the Highland High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Richard also served on the Highland School Board from 1974-1981.

Richard balanced his demanding work life with a love for travel, often vacationing with friends Gerald and Alice Bomkamp, Don and Judy Laufenberg, Bob and Eve Wienkes, Tom Riley, and Ray and Margaret Wienkes. He cherished participating in the Highland Homecoming parades with his Class of 1958 classmates, proudly proclaiming, “We were great in ’58!” Celebrating his birthday on New Year’s Eve was a highlight each year. Richard was an avid fan of Wisconsin sports, playing slot machines, enjoyed fishing, and loved jigsaw puzzles.

A lifelong member of Ss. Anthony & Philip Church, Richard sang in the choir and was a dedicated cook for the Annual Porkfest church fundraiser. He was also a faithful member of Knights of Columbus.  He was a strategic card player, enjoying games at family gatherings and with his Bootlegger buddies. Richard's pride in his large family was evident in the joy he found in family gatherings and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Richard and Sharon shared 59 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on August 21, 2019. He was predeceased by their son, Steve, on October 25, 2017, as well as his parents, in-laws Ralph and Josephine Tucker, and half-siblings Norma Halverson, Dale (Junior) Kite, and Earl Kite.

He is survived by his five children: Kevin of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and his daughters: Loghan, Talyn, and Karsyn; Allen (Lori) of Highland and their children: Adam (Kristen Yanna), Andrew, and Amy and her children, Oliver and Ivy; Mark (Jane) of Highland and their children Dustin (Steven) and their daughters Margot and Lola, Dalton, and Janel (Austin) Yager and their son Knox; Lisa (Paul) Soward of LaGrande, Oregon, and children Brandon, Clancy, and Erin; Scott (Cherry) of Mt. Horeb, WI, and their sons Mason and Jaxon; and survived by Steve’s sons:  Cashton (Trisha) and their son Liam, Milo (Zoe Litchfield) and their son Archer, Isaiah, and Owen. Richard is also survived by his brother-in-law Don (Linda) Tucker, close friends Doug and Pat Risch, nephews Dave (Marnie) Laufenberg, Don (Judy) Laufenberg, Ronnie Laufenberg, and Ken (Carol) Laufenberg, niece Judy Laufenberg, his faithful dog Patrick, and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Richard C. Laufenberg Memorial Fund. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday March 4, 2025, at Ss. Anthony and Philip Catholic Church in Highland with burial to follow in St. Philip Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday March 3, 2025, at the church and again from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass on Tuesday, at the church. Soman-Larson Funeral home in Montfort is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit: www.larsonfuneralhomes.com