DeForest-

Richard H. Kessenich, age 70, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at his home.

He was born on May 9, 1942 on Easy Street, Waunakee, the son of Herman and Rose (Watzke) Kessenich. After graduating from DeForest High School, he dairy farmed for 44 years. He married the love of his life, Nancy (Minter), on September 20, 1969 and together they raised two wonderful children. After Richard retired from dairy farming in 2005, he continued to farm with his son Jason, at his own pace.

Richard was known by his family and friends as a man with a unique sense of humor, and a bit of a prankster. He and his wife were long time Badger football fans who enjoyed going to games and tailgating with their friends. Since retirement, Richard and Nancy enjoyed their getaways to warmer climates in the winter. His greatest joy was spending time at their cottage, H…. Corners, on Lake Wisconsin, on his deck grilling and entertaining. He loved water skiing, teaching people of all ages how to ski, and boating.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy; his son Jason, and daughter Kristy (Rich) Plier; sister Faye (Tom) Farr, brothers Tom (Donna), and Byron; mother-in-law Kay Minter (George); sisters-in-law Sharon (Steve) Pulvermacher, Marlene Porter (Rick), Nancy Minter (nee Manke); and many other family and close friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law Robert Minter; brother-in-law Don Minter, and sister-in-law Janet Kessenich.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 26, 2012 at ST. THOMAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 655 S. Main Street, Poynette, WI, with Father Ray Dischler presiding. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 2850 Dairy Drive, Suite 300, Madison, 53718 or St. Thomas Catholic Church, 655 S. Main Street, Poynette.

"Now you can water ski all you want, Babe!"