Richard "Rick" B. Lefeber

Richard “Rick” Bruce Lefeber, 76, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, passed away in the comfort of his own home on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Rick was born in Fond du Lac on February 8, 1948, to Robert and Gloria (nee Haskett) Lefeber. As a teenager, he was the first employee at the local Kitz & Pfeil Hardware store. After graduating from Goodrich High School in 1966, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served from 1967 – 1971, attaining the rank of E-5 and earning a commendation ribbon and 6 medals, including the Expert Shot Medal (Pistol). During his time in service, Rick moved to San Diego, California, where he would later work as a carpenter and where, on January 7, 1983, he met Donna “Kris” Clayton (nee Hukkanen). Rick and Kris married one year later to the date, on January 7, 1984. The couple then returned to Rick’s hometown, where they raised their family as Rick continued in the carpentry and general contractor field, eventually owning his own business. 

 Rick’s love of family shined through in everything he said and did. He enjoyed being in nature, sometimes in solitude, but more often surrounded by family and friends as he arranged camping trips to Sequoia National Park and sailing outings on Lake Winnebago. Deer hunting season was often a highlight of his year. He referred to it as his own version of Christmas and relished the excitement of getting together to share the experience with family and friends, whether it be in an old hunting trailer with no running water or, later, in a deluxe and comfortable hunting cabin which he himself had built. And on Thanksgiving and St. Patrick’s Day? His home was the place to be as he delighted in getting the whole family together for a wonderfully prepared meal and lively conversation. 

 Family knew that Rick had a mantra - “improvise, adapt, and overcome.” Grit was highly valued, and his insistence on it, combined with his love, encouraged his children to believe that they had it within their power to handle whatever life might bring. As he grew older and looked back on his life, he would occasionally share something he remembered his own father saying - “It’s a good life if you don’t weaken.” Rick had frequently taken the hard path, but been all the better for it - choosing the harder path rather than the easier path had been part of his life philosophy. As he looked back on his life during his last days, he felt truly blessed and at peace. 

 Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Kris Lefeber of Fond du Lac; his children, Gina Civey of Desloge, Missouri, Allyson (Ryan) Welnetz of Green Bay, Reagan (Esdras) Espino of Madison, Karen (Terrance) Rehn of Fond du Lac, and Corinne (Nathan) Schumacher of Waunakee; his grandchildren, Krista and Ethan Civey, Myles and Cole Welnetz, Jaeda, Leah, and Eli Rehn, and Hugh and Trudy Schumacher; and his great grandchild, Ella McDaniel. He is also survived by his brothers, James Lefeber of Oshkosh and David (Christine) Lefeber of Fond du Lac; his brother-in-law, Sam (Shelly) Hukkanen of Arizonia City, Arizona; his nieces and nephews, Bethany and Robert Lefeber and Teri and Erika Hukkanen; his friend, Keith Civey (and family) of Caledonia, Missouri; his friends, Paul and Jerry; his coffee club pals and Friday night poker club buddies; and many other family members, friends, and neighbors. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gloria Lefeber; his uncles, Mel Lefeber and C.B. Lefeber; and his dear dog, Molly. 

 The visitation will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. Following the visitation, Military Honors will occur at 4:00 PM. A Time of Remembrance will follow Military Honors. Cremation has occurred. 

 Memorials may be directed in Rick’s name to the Gary Sinise Foundation. 

 Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com