Richard A. Sterwald

Richard Allen Sterwald, age 72 of Fort Atkinson, passed away suddenly at home on May 20, 2026. He was born November 28, 1953, in Watertown, the son of Robert and Charlotte (Fischer) Sterwald. He graduated from Johnson Creek High School in 1972.

Richard worked at Crepaco in Lake Mills from 1972 to 1973. He then went to Waukesha Engines for 30 years from 1974 to 2004. He worked as Maintenance Manager at the Fireside in Fort Atkinson for 13 years until his retirement in 2016.

Richard married the love of his life, Claire Ann Lukas, on December 15, 1972 in Jefferson, WI. They were married for 53 years.

Richard was a devoted deer hunter all his life. He also enjoyed fishing. After retirement he started doing woodworking, building bird houses and feeders in his spare time.

Richard is survived by his wife Claire Ann Sterwald (Lukas); four children, Christopher (Milton, WI), Richard Lee (Buckeye, AZ), Michael (Jefferson, WI), and Nichole (Milton, WI); sisters Sandra (Donald) Messerschmidt and Debra (Dennis) Johns; brothers Steven (Sue), Gary (Nancy), Dale (Cheryl); grandchildren Kaity, Christopher, Keiana, Zachery, Adriana, Lukas, Kenna, Keirah, Bryce, Brayden, Vanessa and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Dawn.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home (900 West Racine Street, Jefferson, WI 53549) from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home of Jefferson is proudly serving the family.