Richard "Dick" J. Massey

     Richard “Dick” J. Massey, 72, of Sparta, died Sunday, April 21, 2019 at his home. He was born on May 22, 1946 in Sparta to Thomas and Betty (Randall) Massey. He grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School in 1964.

     Richard served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. He then served in the US Army Reserve for 11 years as a SSG. He attended UW-Eau Claire and played football. He worked on the railroad and then worked for the government for over 40 years.

     Richard married Rebecca Vanderbilt on August 5, 1972 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta. She passed away on December 22, 2011.

     Richard served as past post commander for the American Legion Post 100, Sparta Community Day Care board member, and was an avid Sparta athletics supporter. He enjoyed golfing and watching sports. He loved spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. The family is grateful for Connie Schaitel and the last 6 years she spent with Richard.

     Richard is survived by his son, Brian (Nina) Massey; daughter, Stefanie (Ryan) Davis; grandsons, Landen and Sawyer Massey, Caleb and Lathan Schulte, and Emmett Davis; granddaughter, Rebecca Davis; sisters, Joyce McCarthy and Nancy (Terry) Green; sisters-in-law, Gail (Keith) Raddatz, Jamie Massey, Charlotte (Jim) Smrcina, Arlene Dull, and Julie Gabel; brother-in-law, Doug (Peggy) Vanderbilt; and his special friend, Connie Schaitel and her family, Neil, Eric, Samantha, and Sawyer Schaitel.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Katie West, J.P. and Ida Mae Massey; his loving wife of 39 years, Rebecca; brothers, Jerry and Terry Massey; brother-in-law, Mike McCarthy; and sisters-in-law, Kaye Meyers, JoAnne Hanley, and Mary Stevens.

     A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will be held at a later time in the church cemetery. Military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 will be held at 1 p.m. at the Cotter Pin in Leon.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until time of services on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial be directed to the Freedom Honor Flight, SACS, and Mayo Hospice. 

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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