Richard Clarence "Dick" Badertscher

Richard Clarence Badertscher was born on March 21, 1937, in Beloit, Wisconsin, to Harry and Jennie (McDonald) Badertscher, and passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 88 at Cedar Crest in Janesville after a long illness.

Known to many as Dick, Diamond Dick, or Moose—and simply as Dad or Grandpa to his family—Richard grew up in the Brodhead area. He attended Decatur Country School through eighth grade and then Brodhead High School, where he excelled as a three-sport athlete. In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he received his only tattoo, the USMC logo with “Semper Fi” on his upper right arm, which he wore with lifelong pride.

In 1958, Richard married the love of his life, Carole Peterson, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brodhead. Together they raised two daughters, Lori and Tracy. He worked for many years as a respected bartender at Bluffview Park, Wish’s Bar, and the Harris House before spending 30 years as a dedicated employee at General Motors in Janesville. An avid athlete throughout his life, Richard loved golfing at Decatur Lake Golf Course and bowling in leagues at Brodhead Lanes and Cardinal Lanes. He and Carole enjoyed traveling together, becoming “snowbirds” in Las Vegas, Laughlin, and Destin, Florida, where they formed many lasting friendships. He was often seen riding his Schwinn bike along the country roads around Brodhead, and he cherished quiet evenings playing cards, sharing time with family and friends, and enjoying an Old Fashioned.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carole; daughters Lori (Rob Erfurth) Miller and Tracy (Jack) Petersen; grandchildren Amanda (Nicci) Miller, Marissa (Jeff) Worzella, Ryan (Andy) Miller, Brett Heitzman, Courtney (Nick) Kalwitz, Jaimee (Matt) Fargo, and Jake (Jess) Erfurth; nine great-grandchildren; brother John (Jake) Badertscher; sister Sandra (Bob) Marion; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Jennie Badertscher; in-laws Raymond and Florence Peterson; brother-in-law Bruce Peterson; and sisters-in-law Brenda Badertscher and Helen Peterson.