Richard O. Ladwig, 78, of Gillett, passed away unexpectedly on his beloved farm on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.
He was born in Oconto Falls to Orville and Edna (Stelzer) Ladwig on July 21, 1947. He attended Sunny Lawn Grade School and then graduated from Gillett High School with the class of 1965. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and served his country in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1968. Richard worked at Scott Paper in Oconto Falls for 39 years and nine months. He married Susan Fischer on Aug. 28, 1982, at Christ Lutheran Church in Hintz.
He loved being outside, especially in the woods, deer hunting, cutting trees and fishing. He enjoyed working on his farm and driving his Allis Chalmers tractors. He kept himself busy making things out of wood. Deer hunting season was Richard’s favorite time of the year, where he especially loved being with his hunting crew. Richard was a very kind man and was always helping others, even in death as he was an organ and tissue donor.
He enjoyed going out to breakfast twice a month with his breakfast bunch. Richard was always willing to fix anything around the house; he could fix anything with caulk. He was very strong in his faith, serving numerous positions at Christ Lutheran Church and was always willing to help with anything he could.
He is survived by the love of his life, Susan; four children, Nathaniel, Melissa, Keith and Kyle; his mother, Edna; brother Dennis (Louise); mother-in-law, Martha Fischer; and his grandpup, Zeus. He is further survived by his cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and his many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Orville; his father-in-law, Robert “Bob” Fischer.
Visitation will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Hintz (Gillett) on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Michael Paholke officiating. Richard will be interred in Christ Lutheran Cemetery with full military rites.
Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.
