Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Richard Staats
Richard "Dick" Staats, son of Robert and Evelyn (Nimsger) Staats was born on August 5th, 1943.
For his primary education, he attended a 1-room schoolhouse. Dick graduated from Augusta High School in 1961. In that same year, he married Sandra Olson. Dick received a Bachelor of Science degree in Science Education from UW-Eau Claire in 1965. In 1970, he received his Master of Science in Chemistry from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. Dick began his teaching career in Plymouth, Wisconsin. He taught in Plymouth for two years (1965-1967) at the Middle School before accepting a job with the Wisconsin Rapids School District. He taught in Wisconsin Rapids for one year (1967-1968) before finding his dream job in Nekoosa, Wisconsin.
For the next 32 years (1968-2000), Dick taught physics, chemistry, and physical science for the Nekoosa High School Papermakers. While teaching in Nekoosa, he also enjoyed coaching football, coaching girls softball, supervising student government, and officiating area football games with his son. Dick was a highly praised and regarded instructor. He brought a teaching style and charisma to the classroom which was filled with warmth while challenging students to their greatest potential. The high school students truly loved him and often referred to him as "Papa Staats".
Dick quietly retired in 2000 and enjoyed the adventures of being a grandparent until the day he passed. In retirement, he also enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling. In 2003, Dick moved to Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin. This was his home for the rest of his life. Dick's favorite flower was actually flour - He loved Sandra's fresh baked bread. Dick's quick wit and cheshire cat grin will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
Dick Staats is survived by his wife Sandra of 64 years; brother Bob; two sons, Richard and Bradley (Mary); 5 grandchildren, Andrew, Brian, Kathy, Benjamine and Elizabeth; two great grandchildren, Adler and Caspain; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gloria Hanvold, Victoria (Roger) Krueger, Sharon Foss, Maylin (Shirley) Olson, Marlene (Jerry) Waldera..
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law Jean Staats; brother-in-law LaMoine Olson, Kenneth Hanvold, Victor Foss; and father and mother-in-law, Arnold and Adeline Olson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, N40558 County Road O, Whitehall, WI , with burial in the church cemetery.
Friends may call one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.
The family is assisted by Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com
