Richard (Dick) R. Waldvogel, age 80 of Markesan, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side, while watching the sun rise over his fields on Monday, January 27, 2025. He was affectionately known as The Poor Farmer.

Richard was born on July 15, 1944, in Phlox, WI, the son of Lester and Imogene (Tatro) Waldvogel, and graduated from Antigo High School in 1963. He attended UW-Madison, completing the Farm & Industry Short Course before moving to Appleton and working as a welder for Fox Tractor Company. On August 10, 1968, he was united in marriage to his supportive and accepting wife Rose Marie Mattek at St. Wencel's Catholic Church in Deerbrook.

He and Rose Marie moved to Markesan to establish the Roy Creek Dairy Farm in 1972. With the support of the Gordon Hull family, they built their own family farm. A devoted Catholic, Richard's faith guided him throughout his life, although occasionally arriving late to Mass when the family car would run out of gas, or a child was left in the car. He would go by Dickster when he was pranking employees and friends, making sure they met the cow with the funny teat, and countless other stunts.

Richard is survived by his children: Mark Waldvogel, Gina (Charles) Mittelstadt, David Waldvogel, Jolyn (Timothy) Rasmussen, Kathleen Waldvogel, and Sara (Ross) Miller; grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Charlie, Ashley, Quintin, Samantha, Alyson, Lily, and Luna; his brother, Phil (Debbie) Waldvogel, his special friend, Carolyn Mosher, and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rose Marie in February of 2024; sister, Mary (Jim) Smithers; and other relatives.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 31, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 125 Church St., Princeton from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Grand Prairie Cemetery in the Town of Green Lake.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to SSM Hospice for their outstanding care, farm employees for their contributions, and many suppliers for their support over the years. A special acknowledgment for our sisters Kathleen and Sara for enabling him to enjoy his last days at home near his animals. The Poor Farmer took great joy in managing his farm.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan, is honored to be serving the family.