Richard Walter Desmond

Richard “Dick” W. Desmond, 84, died unexpectedly August 16, 2025, at the hospital following a fall. He was born October 12, 1940 in Chicago, IL, the son of William and Sylvia (Walter) Desmond.

After their family moved to Wisconsin, Dick graduated from Bear Creek High School with the Class of 1959. Following graduation, he served 4 years with the United States Air Force. Upon discharge, he returned to the Bear Creek area where he met and married Joyce (LeNoble) Desmond of Clintonville. On June 6th, Dick and Joyce celebrated 61 years of marriage. Dick worked a short time with the Power Company before joining the Appleton Police Department where he served successfully in many roles for 28 years. Dick thoroughly enjoyed his family and friends, often bringing out laughter with his sense of humor and quick wit. Dick also loved the outdoors spending time hunting, fishing, camping, ATV’ing in the mountains, and just enjoying wildlife. After retiring they moved to Hazelhurst, WI before traveling west to Worland, WY where they lived for 27 years before recently moving back to Wisconsin.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Carol (Jim) Young, brothers William (Mary) Desmond, Dan (Mary) Desmond, sister Joanne (Mike) VanWagner, and brother John (Kay) Desmond. Surviving in addition to his wife Joyce are his son Charles Desmond and his fiancée Angie, daughter Denise Goetsch and her husband Byron; six grandchildren Dalton Desmond, Ryan Goetsch, Eric Goetsch, Sam Desmond, Jay Desmond, and Thomas Desmond; 4 great grandchildren Vincent Desmond, Grace Goetsch, Eva Desmond and Luke Goetsch; one sister Darlene (Llyod) Mares; many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held from 2-4PM, on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Zion Church, 1500 Circle Road, Worland, WY 82401.

An additional celebration of life for local friends and family will be held from 1-4PM, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Bear Creek Town Hall, E9107 Silver Creek Road, Bear Creek, WI 54922.