Florence- Richard E. Wertanen, 85, of Florence, WI, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield, WI.

He was born May 15, 1937, in Ishpeming, MI, son of the late Leslie and Ellen (Kangas) Wertanen. Richard grew up in Negaunee and was a graduate of Negaunee High School, class of 1955. Richard enlisted in the United States Army upon graduation and proudly served from 1955-1958. While stationed in Germany for two years he traveled through Europe via motorcycle with other Army buddies that became lifelong friends. Upon his discharge, he received his bachelor's in social studies from Northern Michigan University.

Richard married Karen Annelin on July 21, 1962, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Negaunee, MI. He was a teacher at Florence High School from 1965 until his retirement in 1993. Along with being a teacher for 29 years, he was the wrestling coach for 27. He enjoyed being part of the "chain gang" for the Bobcat football games while teaching and in retirement. During these years he also served as a volunteer firefighter for the town of Florence.

Richard was a member of First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed fishing, hunting, time at camp, photography, and RC control airplanes, even serving as secretary/treasurer of the Iron Mtn PropBusters Club for many years. His Finnish heritage meant the world to him, and he was a member of the RajaRyhma Club of the Iron Mtn area. He tried very hard to teach everyone a little bit of Finn. He loved to travel to any event that involved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They all have special memories of him doing so.

Survivors include his loving wife of almost 60 years, Karen Wertanen; one son, Scott (Kathy) Wertanen; two daughters, Pam (Howard) Smith and Brenda (Scot) Gelhar; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Aaron) Renquin, Kim (Jeremy Adolphson) Smith, Sarah Smith, Alex Gelhar (fiancée Taylor Soule), Kelsey Gelhar and Jason Holland; and by two great-grandchildren, Liam and Max Renquin. He is further survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and the many special friends he has made along the way.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his stepfather Arvid Wiik; half-brother, David (Christine, deceased) Wiik; half-sister Donna (Allen, deceased) Crandall; and one stepbrother Kenneth Wiik.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the beautiful and caring Palliative Care team at Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield for helping us through this difficult time; to the cardiac care unit of Marshfield Clinic-Weston for their wisdom and care; and the ER department of DCHS that treated him but knew he needed specialty care so got him to Marshfield.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 25, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence, WI. The funeral service will be Monday 2:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Florence, WI. Rev. Cathleen Morris will officiate. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Florence WI. The VFW Post #3635, Florence, Wis., will accord Military Honors at the graveside.

Pallbearers will be Alex Gelhar, Jeremy Adolphson, Aaron Renquin, Jeff Marin, Jim Kiernan, Roger Valine. Honorary pallbearers Liam and Max Renquin.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be establishing a memorial scholarship for the students of Florence High School.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Richard's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Florence, WI, to honor Richard's legacy of life.