Richard “Dick” Walter Hankwitz, Sr., age 88, of Greenfield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, with family by his side.  

Born May 4, 1937, in Milwaukee, Dick was the only child of Remus and Evelyn (Huenhold) Hankwitz. He served proudly in the United States Army during the Dominican Crisis before spending many hardworking years as a chemical mixer for Chem Central. A man who valued camaraderie and community, he was a longtime member of AMVETS and Sadsacks.   I

n 1974, he married the love of his life, Esther “Petie” Guendert. Their marriage was filled with devotion, humor, and a deep partnership. Their Christmas decorating routine became a family legend. Petie meticulously planned while Dick climbed ladders, hung lights, and counted snowmen, and somehow their house always ended up looking like Santa’s off-season condo. He may have grumbled, but he always gave in with a smile because he loved her that much. The thought of the two of them reunited now brings comfort and more than a few smiles.  

Dick found joy in the simple things: square dancing, Civil War history, and model trains. Most of all, he cherished time with his family. He was a hardworking, devoted father who celebrated his children’s accomplishments, and a doting grandfather whose face lit up around his grandchildren until the very end.  

Dick is preceded in death by his beloved Petie and by his parents. He leaves behind his children: Scott (Donna) Ritenour, Vicki (Scott) Czubkowski, Tammie Gacek, Wendy Ritenour, Curtis (Kathy) Gacek, Kathy (Brian) Ray, and Richard (Ashleigh) Hankwitz, Jr. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and more great-grandchildren than he could count, though he certainly made an honest attempt.  

He will be remembered for his steady presence, his loyalty, his humor, and the quiet way he showed his love. As Christmas approaches, his family finds comfort in knowing he is exactly where he wanted to be, home with Petie again, decorating together just as they always did, side by side.