Richard W. "Dick" Veltus, Kaukauna, age 84, died at his home on Thursday, May 12, 2016. He was born in Racine on November 26, 1931 to the late Lester and Florence (Griffith) Veltus. Dick married Esther Jennings on February 2, 1952 at St. Edward Church in Racine. He joined the National Guard after graduating from high school and was drafted into the Army in 1953, where he spent 2 years with the 82nd Airborne. While working, Dick served as a board member for the local #391 for 13 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and following his retirement, volunteer work.

Dick is survived by his wife of 64 years, Esther; children: Nancy (Dale) Cunningham of Racine; Michael (Marcia) of Kaukauna; Judy of Racine; Gary (Amy) of Neillsville; Donald (Kim) of Racine; Robert (Carol) of Kaukauna; and Steve (Anna) of Hobart, WA; son-in-law: Douglas Takala; grandchildren: Tracy Cunningham, Lisa (Kevin) Schweitzer, Rachel (Phillip) Greening, Sara Crow, Benjamin Takala, Mandy (Brian) Zikowski, Jessica Jefferson, Bradley (Mara) and James Veltus, Timothy (Rebecca) and Kimberly Fetzer, Samantha and Melissa Pohle, Rebecca Veltus, Rebecca (Steven) Thorn, Lori (Manuel) Pedrosa, Melissa, Joseph, Brandon, Cory, Jesse, Steven and Ashley Veltus; great grandchildren: Hayden, Meadow, Jersey, and Summer Schweitzer, Malachi and Charlotte Crow, Madelyn Veltus, Brenna Jefferson, Zachary and Owen Zikowski, Ava, Ethan and Bailey Greening, Nathan, Katelyn, and Natalie Thorn, Hailey and Sydney Pedrosa; sister: Joan (Ted) Pier; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Arthur (Jean) Jennings, Mary Crum, Joe (Alice) Kirk, Howard (Verena) and Ken (Wanda) Jennings. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his children: Richard Veltus and Sandra Takala; Esther's parents, Roy and Annabel Jennings; and brother-in-law, George (Lou) Jennings.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 19, 2016 at HOLY CROSS PARISH (309 Desnoyer St. Kaukauna) beginning at 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:30 a.m. The Rev. Thomas Pomeroy will officiate. Military rites will immediately follow. Committal Holy Cross Cemetery. A memorial is being established.