Richard “Dick” Lautzenheiser, 86, passed away Sunday morning, Feb. 18, 2024, at his residence in Bluffton following an extended illness.
Dick was born in Louisville, Ky., on Jan. 26, 1938, to Robert D. and Lucille A. (Whitehouse) Lautzenheiser, both parents preceded him in death. He married Sharon K. (Haneline) on Oct. 26, 1957, in Huntington, she survives in Bluffton.
Dick retired after 32 years with Slater Steel working as a welder. He worked in Bluffton for eight years with Red Cross Manufacturing. He was a longtime member of the First Church of Christ in Bluffton and a member of the NRA. Dick was an avid Colts and IU fan. He enjoyed playing baseball and softball and loved caring for all kinds of animals. Dick also enjoyed woodworking and he helped build two homes in Bluffton. In his earlier years, he was invited to try out with the Philadelphia Phillies and was invited to run in the New York Marathon. Dick was an avid reader and enjoyed reading his Bible.
In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by four children, Rick (Ventura) Lautzenheiser of Pearland, Texas, Cynthia (Jeff) Brown of Arcadia, Ind., Lorie (Tom) Baumgartner and Peggy (Mario Perez) Lautzenheiser both of Bluffton; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Tom Lautzenheiser of Ky.; and a sister, Beverly Jean Daniels of Garrett, Ind.
Receiving of friends will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m., at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton, followed by a memorial service at 4:00 p.m., with Pastor Dennis Wood officiating. Burial will take place at Hoverstock Cemetery, Zanesville, Ind.
Memorials can be made in Dick’s memory to Animal Rescue Fund, Muncie, IN or Bluffton-Wells County Animal Shelter.
Online condolences can be made to www.goodwincaleharnish.com.