Richard “Rich” Engelhart, age 96, of Madison, Oregon and North Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully and began his final journey, on March 29, 2026-Palm Sunday-surrounded by love at his home in North Fort Myers, Florida.

Rich was born on July 5, 1929, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Herbert and Lorena (Cline) Engelhart. He received his early education at St. James Catholic School and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1947. At the young age of 16, Rich assumed the responsibility of running the family farm, a testament to his strong work ethic and sense of duty-values that guided him throughout his life.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954.

After returning from military service, Rich joined his father and family in operating H. M. Engelhart Construction. Following his father’s passing in 1960, Rich and his brother Jim continued the family business. Later, Rich and his brother Jerry Engelhart co-founded The Engelhart Sport Center in 1972, a powersports business that continues to serve the Madison community to this day.

Rich had a lifelong passion for racing and sports. He was an avid stock car racer and introduced his younger siblings to racing. He also had a love for snowmobiling and motorcycling-interests he joyfully shared with his wife, children and grandchildren. Rich treasured time spent with family, especially the many trips to the family cottage on Squirrel Lake near Minocqua, Wisconsin, as well as memorable travels throughout Michigan and Canada.

On June 4, 1960, Rich married Arlene (Schwoegler). Together they built a loving home and life rooted in family. Rich raised Arlene’s two children as his own: the late Richard “Dick” Leatherberry and Joanne (George) Weber. Together, Rich and Arlene welcomed six additional children: Stephanie Engelhart-Olson, Cheryl (Perry) Jones, Lea Ann Engelhart/Wackett (Don), Brian Engelhart, Todd (Sandy) Engelhart, Wade (Pam) Engelhart and daughter-in-law, Kathy (Dick) Leatherberry.

In 1960, while Arlene was giving birth to their daughter Stephanie, Rich’s father was also in the same hospital, unfortunately his father passed away.

Rich, during his time in the Construction Industry was instrumental in forming the first Statewide Union Of Public Work Contractors and the first employee contracts of Wisconsin, along with this he served on many committees, including as Treasurer, President and Vice President with the Wisconsin Contractors Association. In 1981, he became Salesman for Conserv Products of Oregon, Wisconsin for the next 13.5 years. During his tenure he served as Vice President and served on the board of directors, until his retirement in 1994.

Following his retirement from Conserv Products, Rich and Arlene relocated from Oregon to North Fort Myers, Florida, where they embraced a new chapter of life together. They enjoyed community events, formed many new friendships, and took pride in being part of an active and welcoming community. Rich especially loved golfing, a pastime he thoroughly enjoyed during his years in the Heritage Community. Rich lived in retirement for more than 30 years; this was a major milestone and an accomplishment.

In 2019, Rich was honored and attended the Lee Memorial Military Honor Flight, where he was greeted by thousands of supporting patriots, at both airports.

Rich is also survived by his siblings: brothers, Jim (Nancy) Engelhart, Charles (Shirley) Engelhart and William (Karen) Engelhart; sisters, Phyllis Henshue and Carol Overton; sister-in-law, Mona Engelhart; and brother-in-law, Jerome Lemanski.

He was a proud and devoted grandfather to 19 grandchildren: Jason (Staci) Leatherberry, Erin Leatherberry, James Frion, Trisha Faircloth, Nichole (Kyle) Carr, Hunter (Angela) Weber, Anthony Olson, Tyler Olson, Stacy (Brad) Johnson, Nicholas (Carlene) Vorpahl, Jared Jones, Jessica (Dave) Meisner, Jordan (Kyira) Wackett, Sydney Engelhart, Samantha (Trent) Nelson, Morgan (Anthony) Parker, Haley Engelhart, Jacob (Amanda) Engelhart, and Noah Engelhart. Rich was blessed with 30 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Rich was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arlene; his son, Richard “Dick” Leatherberry; his granddaughter, Erin Leatherberry; his parents, Herbert and Lorena Engelhart; his grandparents; his mother-and father-in-law; his brother, Jerry Engelhart; and his sisters, Pat Lemanski, Mary DiRienzo and Shirley DiRienzo. He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Tom Schwoegler, Bernie Scoville, Ken Doyle, Phil Overton, Charles DiRienzo, Clair DiRienzo, and Laverne Henshue; and his sisters-in-law, Katherine Doyle, Donna Scoville, and Nancy Schwoegler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Rich’s name to one of his favorite charities: The Harry Chapin Food Bank, Hope Hospice, of North Fort Myers, Florida or to Holy Mother of Consolation Church, 651 N. Main St. Oregon, WI 53575.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lee and his staff at Cape Coral Hospital, as well as FirstLight Home Care of Fort Myers and their dedicated staff, for their compassionate care and support. More importantly, the family would like to thank his brother, William (Bill), for his support, his unconditional love and dedication to our father.

Rich will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and the many lives he touched through his generosity and love. His legacy lives on through his family and that all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 12 noon on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Fellowship will immediately follow. A visitation will be held at church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday. A private family burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU

To those I love

And those who love me

When I am gone, release me, let me go

I have so many things to see

And do

You mustn’t tie yourself to me

With tears

Be happy that we had

So many years

I gave you my love,

You can only guess

How much you gave me

In happiness

I thank you for the love

You each have shown

But now it’s time I travel on alone

So grieve awhile for me

If grieve you must

Then let your grief be comforted

by trust

It’s only for a while,

That we must part

So bless the memories within your heart

I won’t be far away

For life goes on

So if you need me,

Call and I will come

Though you can’t see or touch me,

I’ll be near

And if you listen with your heart,

You’ll hear

All of my love around you

Soft and clear

And then, when you must come

This way alone

I’ll greet you with a smile

And “Welcome Home”

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515

Richard H Engelhart

July 05, 1929 - March 29, 2026

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