Richard Grosskreutz, 99, of Whitewater, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Alden Estates, Jefferson WI.

Richard was born on May 24, 1927, in the town of Emmett, WI (near Watertown), to the late Gustave and Hilda (nee Polensky) Grosskreutz. He married the love of his life, Beverly Blaedow on January 28, 1949, in Palmyra, WI. They celebrated 77 years together this year. Richard and Beverly welcomed two sons, Steven and Brian, and 5 grandchildren, Lisa, Aaron, Kelly, Juris, and Kimberly, to the family.  

Richard served his country in the 2nd Army Armored division from 1945-1947, after which he received an honorable discharge. Richard and his 8 brothers served their country all at the same time; they were known as “Palmyra’s Fightingest Family” because so many of the boys were in the service at the same time.  

After the service, Richard worked at many auto dealerships. He retired from Ketterhagen Ford – Whitewater after 30 years in 1989. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with the family, remodeling houses, woodworking, and enjoying the outdoors in his screenhouse.  

Richard did not quite make it to his 100th birthday, but he did have some words of wisdom that he always shared with the family, “The first hundred are the hardest.” That may be true, but he did his best to face whatever came with a smile on his face.

Those Richard leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 77 years, Beverly Grosskreutz; his son, Steven (Patrice) Grosskreutz; three grandchildren, Lisa Lombard, Kelly Grosskreutz, and Juris Grosskreutz; two sisters, Shirley Matthews and Carol Fero; sister-in-law, Ginger Blaedow; brother-in-law, Robert Blaedow; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Brian Grosskreutz; daughter-in-law, Janet Grosskreutz; two grandchildren, Aaron and Kimberly; three sisters, Evora, Maisie, and Pearl; nine brothers, Gilbert, Edmund, Lester, Carl, David, Alvin, Gustave, Lawrence, and Clarence Grosskreutz; two brothers-in-law, Lyle Blaedow and Wayne Blaedow; and sister-in-law, Judith Foltz.

Inurnment will be a private ceremony at Little Prairie Cemetery, Troy WI.  

The family wishes to thank the staff at Fort Memorial Hospital and the staff at Alden Estates, Jefferson, WI for all their excellent care of Richard, as well as Nitardy Funeral Home – Whitewater for their assistance.

The Nitardy Funeral Home – Whitewater has been entrusted with Richard’s arrangements.