Richard J. Kiekenbush, passed away Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at Memorial Hospital of Burlington after a short time under hospice care.
Richard was born on May 26, 1938, in Burlington, to Wallace and Florence (nee Kerkman) Kiekenbush. He was a lifelong resident of Burlington. He attended St. Mary Grade and High School graduating with the class of 1957. He attended Culinary School at the Institute of Technology in Milwaukee, graduating in June of 1959. Richard served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963.
Richard’s first job was working for Charlie Dunkle at Dunkle’s White Oaks Restaurant as a busboy. He worked his way up the ranks to Chef and eventually owner of the restaurant in 1979 when Dunkle’s White Oaks became Richard’s White Oaks. A devastating fire broke out in the restaurant on Feb. 13, 1985. The restaurant was a total loss. Determined to rebuild, he launched his new establishment in March of 1986, hosting numerous weddings and local service groups meetings. Deciding to retire from the restaurant business in 2000, he focused his time and energy on volunteer services around the Burlington area, including St. Mary Parish, Burlington Senior Center, Mount Carmel, Pine Brook Pointe, Meals on Wheels, just to name a few. He enjoyed singing with St. Mary Adult and Resurrection Choirs. He also took on a position with Daniels family funeral homes. This was a wonderful position for him, as he knew so many people in and around the Burlington area.
Richard is survived by his sisters Janet Bonner and Alice Joyce; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law Richard Joyce, Keith Roberts and Russell Bonner.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Joy Collins of Joy’s Senior Care for entertaining Richard with every visit; Beth, Brenda and other staff at Aurora At Home Hospice, the 2nd floor staff at Memorial Hospital of Burlington and Dr. Webber for all their compassionate care of our beloved Richard.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Schuette Daniels Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Richard’s name may be made to St. Mary Parish.
Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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