Richard R. "Richie" Kendler, age 18, of Jackson, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2005 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
He was born on May 22, 1987, to Robin and Dorothy (nee Schmitt) Kendler, at Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls. Growing up he spent a lot of time with his family at their cabin in Presque Isle, WI. There he enjoyed hunting, fishing, four wheeling, and dirt biking. It was there that he also learned a real appreciation for nature. He loved doing anything that involved being outdoors.
Richie carried that love of the outdoors to work with him. He became a teen volunteer at Luther Manor in Milwaukee when he was 12 years old, and eventually worked there part-time in the summer as part of the ground's crew when he was 16.
In high school, Richie was blessed with many friends; in fact, if one friend was busy there was always another one for him to hang out with. His friends remember him as a fun-loving person always up for an adventure. What they remember most about him though was his caring heart. The friend who always had a smile on his face was also the friend that was always willing to help another friend out, even if it just meant sitting with someone who was feeling down.
Richie graduated from West Bend East High School in May of 2005. After graduation he worked for Pick'N'Save North in West Bend as a stocker and at Signicast Corporation in Hartford as a general laborer.
Richie was a very independent person, and through his most recent endeavor he proved just how caring and independent he was by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps under the buddy system with his friend, Anthony Plavec, in order to protect our freedoms.
Richie is survived by his parents; a sister, Reyna Kendler; his paternal grandfather, Robert Kendler; his maternal grandmother, Virginia Schmitt; many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Delores Kendler, and his maternal grandfather, Raymond Schmitt.
A memorial service in celebration of Richie's life will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2005, at 2:30 pm, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church (1025 S. 7th Ave. West Bend). Father Jeffrey Haines will be the celebrant. Visitation will be at the church only on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 2:30 pm.
A special note to friends and family: there will be a table set up in the back of church for any pictures or personal remembrances that you would like to bring in honor of Richie.