Richard Ray Chartier

Richard Ray Chartier, affectionately known as "Dick," passed away unexpectedly on June 30, 2025, in his beloved hometown of Wausau, Wisconsin. He was born on August 7, 1946, and his life was a rich tapestry woven with warm experiences, cherished relationships, and a deep passion for the world around him.

Upon graduation from Newman High School, he served in the US Army. After completion of his military duty, he graduated from UW Madison. For years, he was a dedicated employee of Wausau Metals and an instructor in Business Management at Northcentral Technical College. His career positively impacted his coworkers, students and community.

Dick, an ardent history buff, could often be found exploring the outdoors, casting a line on his fishing excursions with the "Monday Night Fishing Club," salmon fishing. Also indulging in his hobbies which included reading maps, making homemade sauerkraut and pasta, and woodworking—each avocation reflecting his hands-on approach to life. His zest for travel took him and his devoted wife Chris to beautiful places such as Greece, Door County, and Willow Flowage, where each experience was a new chapter added to the book of his lifetime. Anytime he would travel places with family or friends, and they would ask how long to get somewhere? Dick would reply that it would take "20 minutes" even if it was a much longer trip. His mother-in-law affectionately bestowed upon him the nickname "Guy Globe," an endearing nod to his love of sharing and illuminating the paths of others. A man who was "game for anything" and willing to try almost anything at least once, he was a true Wisconsin Man cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers and the Wisconsin Badgers, listening to the games on the radio or attending them in person with Chris and other friends. 

He was a beloved husband to Chris, whose relationship brought him immense joy and happiness. He often would tell Chris, it's "just you and me Kid". Dick was also a dedicated brother to Frank (Jackie), Ray (April), and brother-in-law to Lyle, Walter and Kenneth. His spirit was also buoyed by the camaraderie he fostered with his special cousin Kym and Mark Hytry, and dear friends Ron and Joan Selves, and Gary Mason, who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. 

While he now joins the ranks of his departed loved ones—his parents; Robert and Marion, his sister Bobbie Koenig, mother-in-law Loralei Pucci, father-in-law Michael Pucci and second father-in-law Walter Dunnett among them—Dick leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and kindness that will resonate with all who were fortunate enough to know him. His infectious smile and exuberant storytelling will echo in the minds and hearts of those he touched, a reminder of a life well-lived, full of adventure and love.

As the waters of the Door County run gently, so too do the memories of Dick Chartier, forever weaving through the lives he enriched, guiding those who look back on his cherished moments with laughter and appreciation for a true friend and family man.

A private Celebration of Dick's life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of Dick's medical teams; especially Dr. Richetto and Dr. Onitilo, Marshfield Clinic, and Dr. Longo at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee for all their care and support during Dick's life. The Doctors and medical teams referred to Dick as a "warrior". One last special thanks to Dick's brother Frank for his donation of stem cells which gave us 4 extra years with Dick. 

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ascendweston.org.