Richard Allen Maksen Sr.

Richard Allen Maksen Sr.

1942-2026

Richard Allen Maksen, 84, a lifelong resident of Kenosha, Wisconsin, died on August 16, 2026, from complications following surgery.

Dick was born on August 4, 1942, in Kenosha to Leo and Lois Maksen. He graduated from Bradford High School and married Judi on June 23, 1962. They shared 62 years of marriage before her death on December 18, 2024.

Intelligent, resourceful, and hardworking, Dick built an impressive career through determination and a willingness to teach himself new skills. After being laid off from a factory job, he began installing tires in the automotive department at Montgomery Ward. He eventually became department manager and later advanced to a buyer position at the company’s corporate offices in downtown Chicago, making the daily commute from Kenosha for many years.

Dick was also an early adopter of technology. Entirely self-taught, he developed a merchandise replenishment program that was ultimately used in Montgomery Ward stores nationwide—an accomplishment that reflected both his natural ability and his belief that he could figure out nearly anything he set his mind to.

That same confidence extended well beyond his career. Dick was exceptionally handy and rarely encountered a home project he wouldn’t tackle. He built his own garage with some assistance from family and friends and once installed a bay window in the family’s living room, much to Judi’s alarm when she saw the enormous hole he had cut into their house. He also famously “just tapped into the neighborhood gas line” to install a natural gas grill in the backyard. When friends or family needed help with a project of their own, Dick was generous with his time, knowledge, and labor.

Dick planned carefully for an early retirement and had the good fortune to enjoy it for nearly three decades. He loved golf and spent several years working part-time at Kenosha’s municipal golf course—“Muni,” as he called it. He and Judi golfed together for many years, and he also enjoyed playing the game with his grandson Rik, especially when Rik was younger. Earlier in life, Dick was an avid bowler and had a fun and boisterous friends’ group.

Dick was a devoted husband, particularly during Judi’s final years, when he became her full-time caregiver and remained faithfully by her side. He approached life with optimism and tended to see the glass as half full. He loved a good conversation and had a gift for turning even a short anecdote into a memorable story, nearly always beginning with his signature invitation: “Listen to this.”

An avid Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan, Dick also enjoyed gardening, caring for his yard, and cooking and exchanging recipes. He was happiest relaxing with a cold beer on his deck—or someone else’s—and later developed an appreciation for wine. After Judi’s death, he bought an e-bike and began getting out and enjoying life again, including reconnecting with his brother Ron. He kept himself busy with weekly dinners with his grandson Rik and phone calls with his daughter that often extended to two hours or more. Friday evenings often found him at “Pub Maksen,” the affectionate name for his son’s backyard and pool, visiting with friends and family.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Tammy “Sue” Collier, and her son, Lucas; his son, Richard “Rick” A. Maksen Jr., and his wife, Vicki; and their children, Lauren and Richard “Rik” A. Maksen III; and brothers William and Ronald. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judi, and his parents, Leo and Lois Maksen.

A memorial gathering will be held at Kenosha Funeral Services on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 3:00PM-4:00PM with memorial services to follow immediately at 4:00PM. Entombment will be at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.

Kenosha Funeral Services & Crematory

8226-Sheridan Rd.

Kenosha, WI 53143

(262) 652-1943

www.kenosha-funeral-services.com