Obituaries

Richard “Dick” Neefe Richard “Dick” Neefe, age 66, of Bear Valley, died December 23, 2020 at home with his family by his side, after a short and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue; their children, Melanie (Michael) Olson, Amanda (Josh) Spurley; his mother, Agatha “Sis” Neefe;  his sister, Judy (Terry) Skelly; his grandchildren, Garrett, Jasmine, Briggs Olson, Reid, Mallory, Rhet, Rex Spurley; his brothers-and-sisters in-law, Nancy (Loren) Brown, Mary Ellen Kraemer, Bill (Kathy) Wunnicke, John Wunnicke, Pat (Craig) Giese, Tim (LouAnn) Wunnicke; many nieces, nephews, and his adored and faithful fishing companion, Lady. He was proceeded in death by his father, Les Neefe; his in-laws, Bob and Helen Marie Wunnicke; his brother-in-law, Doug Kraemer; his niece. Lacey Wunnicke; and his nephews, Jason and Scott Wunnicke. Dick was born to Les and Sis (Gruber) Neefe on December 7, 1954. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1973 and went to work for his parents at Les’s Bar in Bear Valley. He then worked on the trim crew at Wick Buildings and as assistant manager at Our Own Hardware. He married his high school sweetheart, Sue Wunnicke, on May 10, 1975, and together they purchased the bar from his parents in 1983. Dick and Sue owned and operated Neefe’s II for 15 years. Dick’s quick wit, patience, and ability to turn strangers into friends made him a well-liked bartender. Many fond memories and lifelong friendships were made at Neefe’s II. After selling the bar in 1998 Dick pursued his true passion, fishing. Dick grew up fishing alongside his dad on the Mississippi River. His lifelong dream was to become a fishing guide, which he accomplished and successfully did until his passing. Not many of us can say we truly love what we do for a living. Dick loved being a fishing guide and sharing his knowledge with his clients. More than anything, he loved sharing his passion with his grandchildren. His most treasured times were spent with family on the water and around a campfire with a Blatz in his hand. Dick’s patience and humor will be greatly missed. Fishing Mississippi’s Pool 9 will feel a little empty for those who knew and loved Dick. We promise to cherish our memories and keep your legacy alive. We love you and will miss you. A private family visitation was held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at the Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home in Spring Green. Please help us honor Dick’s legacy by sharing a story or two on his Facebook page and/or via the online condolences. Memorials can be made to the family. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com. The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.