Richard A. Harthun

Richard A. Harthun, 77, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee.

Rick was born on February 12, 1949 in West Allis, Wisconsin the son of Harry and Rosa (Marsik) Harthun. He grew up in the Milwaukee area and graduated from Burlington High School. After high school, Rick faithfully served his country in the United States Army. After an honorable discharge, Rick continued his schooling at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside and earned a bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry. Rick worked as a research chemist and was able to obtain five patents. He was proud of this accomplishment and enjoyed a long career, retiring in 2014. On January 7, 1978, Rick was united in marriage to Sally Lynch at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in South Milwaukee and the two went on to enjoy 48 years of marriage together. Rick will be remembered for his fun sense of humor, his special connection to animals, and his love for his wife. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by: his loving wife, Sally Harthun of Eagle; his sisters-in-law, Betty Lynch of Franklin, and Donna (the late Jerry) Herschleb of Austin, TX; and his brothers-in-law, Mark Kukla of Sun City, AZ, and Gary Kurtz of Hales Corners. Rick is further survived by a number of other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, Merna and Elroy Lynch, and his sisters-in-law, Ruth Kurtz and Kathie Kukla.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Aurora St. Luke’s in the MRICU and the liver transplant team.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rick’s honor may be made to HAWS of Waukesha, WI.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Eagle and Palmyra, Wisconsin is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

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