Richard Orlebeke

Richard J. Orlebeke, 79, of Sheboygan, passed away Wednesday evening, March 21, 2018 at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice surrounded by his family.

Born March 20, 1939 in Sheboygan, Richard was a son of the late Earl and Dora (Rodemerk) Orlebeke. He attended Sheboygan area schools and graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1957. He then went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1964. On April 13, 1968, he was united in marriage to LuAnn Eichmann at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. They were married for 46 years before LuAnn preceded him in death on July 10, 2014.

Dick worked in personnel for the Kohler Company for 35 years before his retirement in 1999. He was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church. In his earlier years Dick owned and tinkered with many cars and motorcycles. He also spent time pit crewing at Road America. He was an avid sports fan and liked to pull for all of the Wisconsin teams. Dick was a lifelong member of the Sheboygan Yacht Club and an avid sailor. He loved the club and all of the friendships he made there over the years.  Dick owned 4 different sailboats throughout his life which he, his family, and friends raced and cruised on Lake Michigan.  His sailing took him across the Atlantic Ocean to Spain and the Mediterranean. He competed in over 20 Chicago to Mackinac Island Races, many Port Huron Macs and Queens Cup races.  Being on the water with family made him the happiest.

He is survived by his three sons, Steven (Dawn) Orlebeke, Hartford, Tony (Niki Zohrab) Orlebeke, Sheboygan, and Peter (Kimberly) Orlebeke, Lomira; his two grandchildren, Cole Orlebeke, Platteville, and Kayley Orlebeke, Lomira; his brother Earl (Sue) Orlebeke, Waukesha; his brother-in-law Keith (Terry) Eichmann, Nelsonville; sister-in-law, Diane Eichmann, Phillips; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A Memorial Service for Dick will take place at 2pm on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Sheboygan Yacht Club, 214 Pennsylvania Avenue .   Family and friends are welcome at the Yacht Club from 12:00pm until the time of service.  Following the service, the family has extended an invitation to join them as they continue the celebration of Dick's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established in Dick's name for both Meals on Wheels of Sheboygan County and the Sheboygan Youth Sailing Center.

The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Dick's arrangements.