Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Richard “Dick” Robert Sharratt, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Dick was born in Oshkosh, WI to Robert and Ione (Jones) Sharratt on November 23, 1947. Dick was born on the Sharratt family farm where he spent his childhood helping his parents work the fields while taking every opportunity he could to hunt within the surrounding area.
After graduating from Oshkosh High School in 1965, Dick attended UW-Oshkosh before leaving to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served his country in the Vietnam War as a Staff Sergeant in the Americal Division Southern Cross, 23rd Infantry.
On October 17, 1986, Dick married Nancy (Pfaffenroth) at the Sharratt family farm, and they made their home together in Winneconne.
Dick was multitalented, working a variety of jobs in his lifetime, even driving a cab in Oshkosh in the 1960s. Most of his career was spent working for the Village of Winneconne Utility Department, retiring in 2013 after approximately 40 years of service. His strong work ethic was evident in how he took pride in maintaining the village and keeping the roads clear for drivers during winter months. If you were to ask him, one of his greatest accomplishments was naming his neighborhood, making sure the Ross Commons population sign reflected all his neighbors, including the cats and dogs.
Service to others was incredibly important to Dick. He volunteered his time as a little league coach, was a member of the Winneconne Sovereign State Committee and served on the Winneconne Volunteer Fire Department for 33 years, holding the position of Assistant Chief for several years.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Dick spent most of his free time hunting, while also making sure he was out on the water, catching fish. He shared his passion for the outdoors with others by teaching hunter and boater safety classes. He was incredibly proud of his two sons and enjoyed every moment he spent with his grandkids - whether it was hunting at the family cottage or cheering them on during their sporting events. He also had a love for the sport of golf and looked forward to Wednesday night golf league at Winchester Hill (always keeping a capsule of cyanide in his golf bag for an off game, just in case). Dick was most content sitting on his patio, reading books, enjoying nature while spending time with Nancy.
Dick will be greatly missed by his wife of 38 years, Nancy; his children: Derek (Lisa) Sharratt and Jeff (Katie) Sharratt; his grandchildren: Drake, Dylan, Hannah and Adelyn Sharratt, all of Winneconne. He is further survived by his sister, Carolee Heinen of Menomonee Falls; brother, Dr. Jack (Hedy) Sharratt of Aurora, IL; brothers-in-law, Randy Pfaffenroth and Tony (Maria) Opperman; and sister-in-law, Cindy (Kirk) Gruetzmacher; along with many nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Ione Sharratt; a brother-in-law, Dale Heinen; a sister-in-law, Jane Shuman Sharratt; uncles, aunts and his beloved dogs: Daks, Pokey, Odie, Brady and Reggi.
The Sharratt family wishes to thank Dick’s special friends who kept his spirits high throughout his battle with cancer: David Ihrig, Jeff Ryf, John Anderson, Dan Benedict and the Ross Commons Militia. They would also like to thank Megan Boll, Dr. Brad Heraly and staff from Michael Wachtel Cancer Center. A special thank you to Hillary Bouras from Compassus Hospice for her loving care and ability to match Dick’s quick wit.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, 904 E. Main Street, Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Military honors will follow. Interment will be at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI in a private ceremony at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dick’s name to the Northeast Wisconsin Old Glory Honor Flight.
If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.
Pete and Julie Yost wrote on June 24, 2024
We were on vacation and just learned of Dick's passing. We send our deepest condolences to the family on his loss.
Herb & Ronda Myers wrote on June 21, 2024
Nancy & Sons,We were very saddened to hear of Dicks passing. He was a wonderful friend and always had a smile for you. We will miss seeing you hear at the Lake and driving be with Nancy by your side. Rest in Peace our dear Friend and God Bless to the family.
Jeff Sohrweide wrote on June 21, 2024
To the Sharratt family. My condolences to you. Dick was a good man and friend. Whenever we would cross paths it was easy to start a conversation and catch up where we left off no matter how long ago we’d seen each other. I used to help out the village guys on water main capers in the winter and Dick was right there making sure all was done just right. Another warrior gone way too soon.
Lynn Kuhns wrote on June 21, 2024
Ah, such an upbeat, generous and multi-talented man.
One of the benefits of being a writer of news and feature stories is to have conversations with special people in our community about the causes they hold dear, the paths they traveled, the people they protected, taught, inspired.
Dick always had the time, attention and information we needed...and was indeed a special man.
Peace of heart to family members and friends.
Paul and Nancy Kuyper wrote on June 20, 2024
Nancy, Jeff, Derek and family: Paul and I were saddened when we heard about Dick's passing. He was a terrific person and a great friend. So glad we got to know you both years ago when we moved to Winneconne. I will never forget all the fun times at Sovereign State we shared and all the other good times. I remember lots of laughs over the years. We'll miss all the fun he brought to our lives and the lives of everyone who knew him.
Shari Hickey wrote on June 18, 2024
Nancy, my heart goes out to you. You know how much we loved Dick and the special one of a kind friendship Mike had with him. I will miss him so much and all the stops he made to the house to give Bruno treats. You are family and I will always be here for you. I’m sure Dick and Mike are making the heavens rumble for sure. My prayers are with you, the boys and the entire family ????
Andrew & Dena Lang wrote on June 18, 2024
Our sincerest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the entire Sharratt Family (Derek, Jeff, Lisa, etc.) during this difficult time. He was a good man, with a kind & forgiving heart. May his positive spirit and commitment to family, friends and community live on through his children & grand children. RIP Dick & God bless. Andrew & Dena Lang - Oshkosh.
Kevin Wiederholt wrote on June 16, 2024
Derek and family, I was saddened to hear of your fathers passing. I only met your father a couple of times. Each time, I met a kind hearted man with a great knowledge of life. Seems he always had a kind wave when he passed by the house.
Becky Ryf wrote on June 16, 2024
Nancy, Derek and Jeff: I am so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Have known him more than 50 years and he will definitely be missed. We had many fun times, conversations and laughs over the years. Sympathies to all who knew and loved him.
Mary Harper wrote on June 15, 2024
Nancy and family I am so sorry. I always enjoyed my encounters with Dick. We had great times at fire department events. Bob and I send you our condolences.
Tim Hewitt wrote on June 15, 2024
Certainly have a lot of good fun memories
Thanks for serving this country in
VIET NAM.
We were on the honor flight together
God Bless
RIP
Sharon Korn Lambert wrote on June 15, 2024
I'm so sad to read of Dick's passing. He was such a fine person, and I considered him a friend. The sad thing when you move away is that you don't see those people as often and you lose touch. I talked to him at Jimmy Clark's memorial and was so happy about that. He looked great, sounded fabulous and was smiling. My sympathies to Nancy and his sons. They lost a truly special man.
William Beck wrote on June 15, 2024
My deepest condolences to you an your family. Dick will be surely missed.
Sincerely Bill Beck
We screen all comments out of consideration for the families and friends of the departed.