Richard Lawrence Wampler, known to friends and family as “Butch,” passed away on February 16, 2018 at the age of 79 years.
Richard had many friends and was the life of the party. He liked to make people laugh with his comedic and sometimes inappropriate jokes. He was an avid movie watcher and loved music.
Richard was a native of La Crosse and after graduating from Central High School he served as a Naval Radio Operator on the USS Ranger, USS Midway, and USS Bon Homme. He was stationed in Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines. While in the Navy, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Good Conduct Medal.
Richard had a special place in his heart for children and later in life (1988-2014) was employed as a school bus driver in the city of La Crosse.
He’s predeceased by his parents Virginia (Whitney) Krueger, and Forey Wampler. His daughter Wendy Wampler Klein. Sister Patricia (Wampler) Rochelt, brother Kent Wampler, and nephew Kurt Wampler.
He is survived by his nieces Linda Loeffler, and Karen Long, and nephew Richard Rochelt. Great nephews Shawn Loeffler, John Brevik, Alex Brevik, a great niece Heidi Loeffler and several cousins.
A Memorial will be held Friday February 23, 2018 at 4 PM with visitation beginning at 3 PM at the Coulee Region Cremation Group in the Prairie Room, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI 54650.