Richard J. Durica, Sr., age 89 of Shawano, formerly of Sussex, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, October 10, 2020, at his home in Shawano.
Richard was born May 12, 1931 in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of the late John J. and Margaret (Liptak) Durica. He attended and graduated from Youngstown East High School in 1950. Following high school, Richard worked on the railroad in Youngstown. On June 12, 1952, Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served for two years in Korea as the yardmaster in the Transport Division. He was honorably discharged on June 1, 1954, having achieved the rank of Corporal. Upon returning from the service, Richard worked various jobs until becoming a bus driver for the Milwaukee County Transit System.
On June 30, 1956, Richard was united in marriage to the former Eleanor Haas at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Eau Claire. Following their marriage the couple lived in Sussex for over 44 years. Richard retired from the Milwaukee County Transit System in 2003 after 29 years of service. Wanting to stay active following his retirement, Richard drove a school bus for nearly seven years. He is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano, and was a very active member of St. James Catholic Church in Menominee Falls, WI where he sang in the choir. While living in Sussex he was a member of the American Legion. Richard enjoyed deer hunting with his family, camping, and traveling.
Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Eleanor of Shawano; his children, Barbara (Gary) Cumberland of Shawano, Richard J. (Julia) Durica II of Lannon, WI, David A. (Pauline) Durica of Emory, TX, and Michael S. (Lisa) Durica of North Port, FL; ten grandchildren, Matthew (Jessica) Cumberland, Andrew (Jennifer) Cumberland, Nathaniel Cumberland and Thomas Cumberland, Rebecca (Nicholas) Remsha, Joseph Durica, Sarah Durica, Bryce Durica, Brianna Durica, and Alexander Durica; and two great-grandchildren, Ellie and Rylea Cumberland. Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Marsha Durica.
A Funeral Mass for Richard will be celebrated on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. Fr. Scott Valentyn will be the Celebrant. Interment will be in Lake Drive Cemetery, Town of Wescott. Full Military Honors will be conducted by Shawano AmVets Post #10 at the cemetery. Visitation will begin at the church at 10:00 AM and continue until the time of Mass.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the family requests masks be worn while in attendance and social distancing be followed.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family.
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