Richard (Dick) Lind

Richard (Dick) Duane Lind of Wausau, WI, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2022. He was born on November 15, 1960 in Berlin, WI, the son of Janet (Piette) Rogers and Duane Lind. Richard married his high-school sweetheart, Beth Beutler, on July 23, 1983 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Richford, WI.

Dick graduated from Winona State University in 1983 where he developed a lifelong passion for teaching chemistry and physics. He went on to receive his Master’s of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Superior and was certified as a Director of Instruction through Edgewood College. He worked as a chemistry and physics teacher for 31 years at Mosinee High School and Northcentral Technical College, where he strove to be innovative and have a positive impact on his students and colleagues. He then served the Mosinee School District as Curriculum Director from 2014 until retiring in 2017. In retirement, Dick supported aspiring teachers as a consultant to CESA #9 in their Excellence in Education Program. He also volunteered his tutoring services to many former students and friends over the years.

Dick loved all things outdoors, whether spending weekends hunting and fishing with family and friends or adding another fruit tree to his impressive “square foot” garden. He and Beth relished watching backyard wildlife while sipping their morning cups of coffee. Dick’s sense of discovery and his desire to learn were infectious, and his penchant for chemistry extended to many culinary endeavors – making mozzarella with his nieces and nephew, doting on his sourdough starter, brewing beer, and laboring over recipes for loved ones to enjoy. Above all, he enjoyed time spent with family and friends, traveling, playing cards, and attending concerts, especially those of his children. Dick was good-humored, encouraging, and generous with his time to others. He was the ultimate family man and friend to those who knew him.

A member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Dick served on various committees and could regularly be found at worship and fellowship with other congregants who became lifelong friends. He also added his voice to the church choirs for many years.

Dick will be missed most of all by the love of his life, Beth, who advocated for him and was an extraordinary caretaker on his cancer journey. He is further survived by his children Matthew Richard (Amy Anderson) Lind, Chicago, IL and Clara Beth (Zachary Aschim) Lind, Minneapolis, MN; mother and step-father, Janet and Duane Rogers, Redgranite, WI; sister, Cheryl (Craig) Heller, New Holstein, WI; and sisters and brothers-in-law Bonnie & Dean Brix, Marshfield, WI and Brenda Saeger & Jim Wroblewski, Custer, WI. He is further survived by his dear nieces, nephew, and friends who fully enriched his life. Dick was preceded in death by his father, Duane Lind, his father- and mother-in-law, Harlan & Diane Beutler, and two brothers-in-law, Bruce Beutler and Kevin Saeger.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 22 from 4-7 p.m. at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St, Wausau. A memorial service will take place on Monday, May 23 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan Street, Wausau, with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. The Rev. Gary Froseth will officiate.

The family thanks Dr. Harish Ahuja and the staff at the Aspirus Cancer Center for their dedicated and reassuring care during Dick’s pancreatic cancer treatment. The family is also grateful to the many family members and friends who lifted them up during their time of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following organizations that represent Dick’s life passions: Cattail Organics Food Pantries, the Wausau Conservatory of Music, CESA #9’s Excellence in Teaching program, and St. Stephen Lutheran Church.

i carry your heart with me / (i carry it in my heart) / i am never without it / (anywhere i go you go, my dear) –e.e.cummings