Richard A. Pendleton, 74, of rural Kiel was reunited with his wife and deceased family members on Wednesday morning October 28, 2026, after a lengthy illness. He was born on January 6, 1952 in Fond du Lac, son of the late Emmett and Ida (Konz) Pendleton. A forever Husky, Richard graduated with the New Holstein Class of 1970. On July 22, 1972 he was united in marriage to Mary T. Witt at St. Mary's Church, Crivitz. Richard and Mary shared 28 years together before she preceded him in death on February 3, 2003. Rick was a dedicated employee of the Kohler Company where he worked in the engine division for 38 years before his retirement in 2013 earning him his Quarter Century Club membership. In his earlier days he enjoyed grilling out, being outdoors and especially fishing--so much in fact that he received his name in the paper for illegal fishing in the hatchery pond. Rick was also a member of the local pool and dart leagues at Louis Corners and Shadows Tavern. He enjoyed playing cards on Sunday mornings at Stress Management and going out for breakfast with the breakfast club at Meats in St Nazianz. Richard played the guitar since he was 12 dreaming of being a Venture or one of the Beatles. He was an avid coin, stamp and gun collector. And who could forget his heated love of the Chicago Bears, the Brewers and the Cubbies.

Rick lived by the belief that life wasn't about wishing for a different hand but making the most of the one you were dealt. As the saying goes:

“Life is like a game of cards. Reliability is the ace, industry the king, politeness the queen, thriftiness the jack. You don’t have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt. You have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you’re holding.” May you still hold the Jack of Diamonds.

Survivors include his children; Jennifer (Dan) Drephal, Robert (Lynn) Pendleton, David (Heather) Pendleton, grandchildren; Elena, Jace, Emmett, Sutton, Makya and Dagane. Rick is further survived by his sisters; Nancy Walsdorf (Dennis Cullen), Mary Bell along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife; Mary, brother; Ronald-R.P.(Carol) Pendleton, sister; Joyce (Raymond) Millay, brothers-in-law; Tim Walsdorf, Bill Bell and sister-in-law; Betty Jo Pendleton. A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday November 13, 2026 from 2pm to 6pm, at Shadows Bar, School Hill (12215 Marken Rd. Kiel WI). In lieu of flowers , a memorial will be set up in his name. Richard's family would like to give a special thank you to Junior and Cathy Schwarz for their lifelong friendship. They would also like to thank his friends Suzanne and Matt Knicklebine for their help and friendship as well. Those who live in the hearts of others never truly die. They remain in cherished memories.

In the words coined by Rick from BonJovi, Frank Sinatra and Elvis—It’s my Life and I did it my way.

Through hard work, loyalty to family and friends, and a determination to keep going through life's joys and hardships, Rick played his hand well. The memories he leaves behind are a testament to a life lived with grit, humor, and heart.