Richard Michael Owen (Mike) was born on June 11, 1938, at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He was the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Hertel) Owen, and had three siblings Joseph Owen, Thomas Owen, and Mary Owen Steiner.
Mike graduated from Central High School in 1956. He went on to graduate from Wisconsin Military Academy in 1963, the same year he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. On August 30, 1958, he married the love of his life, Luanne Schmidt, and together they built a life and a family that would grow to include four children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Mike dedicated much of his career to Hayssen Manufacturing Co., where he worked for 24 years, followed by 9 years at VPI. He went on to work at Jackson Machinery, retiring in 2005.
Mike had a sharp, curious mind – he loved a debate on current events or a deep dive into history. Mike was an avid Green Bay Packers fan who never missed a chance to cheer on his team. He loved to read, enjoyed playing poker online, and took great pleasure in building with Legos. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy throughout his life.
Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Luanne, who passed away earlier in 2026. Mike is survived by his four children, Todd (Paula) Owen, Shelly (Wayne) Zimmerman, Michelle (Michael) Walther, and Bradley (Christine) Owen; his seven grandchildren, Lisa Owen, Rachel (Kristopher) Mylius, Andrew Owen, Jennifer (Michael) Beringer, Maya Walther, Hailey Walther, and Atlas Owen; and his eight greatgrandchildren, Benjamin Mylius, Cameron Beringer, Owen Mylius, Kendall Beringer, Avery Owen, Logan Mylius, William Owen, Madeline Mylius.
In lieu of visitation and funeral services, Mike’s family will gather to honor him in a private celebration of his wonderful life.
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