Richard L. Kleinschmidt, 86, of Merrill, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center in Weston. Richard was born July 25, 1936, in Merrill, son of the late Alfred and Orella (Thurs) Kleinschmidt. He married Connie Ashbrenner on August 31, 1963, at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill. She survives. Richard worked as a machine operator at Merrill Manufacturing. He enjoyed camping, fishing, canoeing, traveling, and vegetable gardening. He loved his children and grandchildren and always supported them in their marching band events.

Richard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Connie Kleinschmidt of Merrill; daughter, Lori (Peter) Smith of Merrill; son, Gregory (Anne) Kleinschmidt of Antigo; grandchildren, McKenah (Ben) Martens, Tanner (EmmaLee) Smith, Adam Kleinschmidt, Keith Kleinschmidt, and Kari Kleinschmidt; great-grandchildren, Lakelyn, Watson, Rowen, and June; brother-in-law, Earl Volz; and nieces, Kay Kellbach Sims, and Stacy Maly. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Orella Kleinschmidt; sisters, Johanna Volz, and Oranell Kellbach; niece, Karen Kellbach; and nephew, Timothy Volz.

A memorial service for Richard will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com