DODGEVILLE - Richard N. “Rick” Handel Jr., age 55, of Dodgeville (formerly Black Earth) passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. He was born on Jan. 18, 1968, in Madison, the son of Richard “Dick” Handel Sr., and Karen (Mickelson) Handel.

Rick graduated from Wisconsin Heights High School (Mazomanie) in 1986. Rick and his family were very proud of his military service to the country. He was a Marine Corps veteran and served from 1988 - 1992 and was deployed in the Gulf War conflict. He proudly displayed the American Flag and U.S. Marine flag in front of his house in Dodgeville.

He was a field technician at Strand Associates Inc., for 26 years.

Rick was the proudest of his only daughter, Kennedy, and grandson, Logan II. He loved to spend time with them any chance he could get. Because of their busy schedules, they would often meet at a restaurant for lunch or dinner to catch up and spend time together. These were the moments that meant the most to Rick. When he was working on a survey in Lancaster, he would stop for a visit with them during his lunch hour or invite them all for lunch. He would always make time to see them.

Rick and Kennedy loved to go fishing, bowling, and golfing as she was growing up. It was usually just the two of them and they would spend the day together having fun and laughing. They continued the golfing tradition even after Kennedy graduated school, by meeting at Dodge Point or Lancaster golf courses. This was their time together.

Rick also enjoyed camping with Kennedy and his family. This was the perfect time to catch up with family and spend more quality time with his daughter. They spent years “tenting it” until Rick decided to buy a camper for the yearly camping trips. They would camp at various locations each year and there were always great stories to be told and of course more laughs to be had.

Rick could socialize with anyone, anywhere. He had a knack for striking up a conversation with a complete stranger. He was a joy to visit with and had so much knowledge to share. With his job taking him all over Wisconsin and occasionally out of state, he has definitely touched many lives and shared many stories.

Rick was an avid Packers fan. He would always have a scheduled place where he would be watching the game in a Packers jersey. He displayed his love for the Pack throughout his home as well. He also enjoyed watching the Badgers and Brewers play. This was one of his favorite past times.

To say that Rick has touched many lives is certainly an understatement and he will be greatly missed by many.

Rick is survived by his daughter, Kennedy; grandson, Logan II; father, Richard; and brothers, Jason (Krista) and Corey. He was preceded in death by his mother, Karen.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO BLACK EARTH FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1710 Center St., Black Earth, at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, with military honors to follow. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial fund will be set up for Rick’s Grandson Logan II for his future education. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Black Earth

Funeral & Cremation Care

1710 Center St.

(608) 767-3684

Richard "Rick" Neil Handel, Jr.

January 18, 1968 - September 14, 2023

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