Richard Steven Kosup

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, Richard Steven Kosup, 95, of Sheboygan Falls, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family that he had nurtured all of his life.

Richard was born on August 16, 1928, to the joy of Steven and Priscilla (Sindahl) Kosup in Oshkosh.

The family then moved to Sheboygan, where Richard grew up, just steps from Lake Michigan. He would cultivate a lifelong love of the lake, where childhood antics ensued and adult fishing expeditions where de rigueur.

In 1945, he graduated from North High School, where he played football for the North High Raiders, and seems to have never missed a Packer or Badger game since.

A natural born leader and always ready to help his fellow man, Richard enlisted in the US Armed Forces and saw active duty in Korea at the end of WWII.

After returning from the war Richard pursued his love of design and studied Technical Drawing and Design at UW Sheboygan.

At a local dance he met Darle Sopetto and was transformed by a love that lasted more than a lifetime. A true romantic, till his last days his request was to hear, “On The Street Where You Live”, as sung by The Irish Tenor.

They were married on October 20, 1951, and celebrated a loving life of 69 years together, traveling, hiking, spending time at their lakeside cabin, and chasing after their beloved Terriers.

After their marriage they pursued their careers moving first to St. Louis then Los Angeles, California where Richard managed the R-Way Furniture Showroom. 

The couple returned to Sheboygan Falls where Richard and Darle enjoyed many happy years as business partners, best known as the founders of Richard's Restaurant in Sheboygan Falls

Richard loved Sheboygan Falls and was active in the Kiwanis Club and the American Legion Hall, Post 149, of which he was a 60 year member. He was also a City Alderman, Volunteer Firefighter, Ducks Unlimited and Bowling Hall of Fame member.

He loved to tell a tale and was the historical orator of the county reciting names, dates, marriages, occupations and follies with humorous flair.

At 95 he was still a great golfer, swinging a club in his living room, setting his goals on playing with his 30 year plus golf league in the spring.

His family gave him his greatest joy and he was a wonderful example of optimism, creativity and adventure to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

 Richard’s passion for living life with love, and his generosity of spirit touched all that met him. He will be truly missed by all that knew him.

Richard will be remembered by his two daughters, Debra Kosup, Diane (Lisnet) Kosup; his son-in-law, Michael Lisnet; three grandchildren, Reuben Kosup-Katz, Elisabeth (Brian Harris) Kosup-Kennedy, Haley (Eric Kindschi) Kosup-Kennedy; two great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Donna Sopetto. 

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Darle; parents; two brothers, Donald Kosup, Gilbert Kosup; parents-in-law, Mansuetto and Marion Sopetto.

A celebration of life to gather and share Richard’s beloved stories will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at The Deland Park Shelter in Deland Park, 715 Broughton Drive, Sheboygan, 53081.

The celebration will be from 3-8.

A memorial donation can be made in Richard’s honor to Glacial Lakes Conservancy, glaciallakes.org.

For online condolences and additional information please visit wenigfh.com. The Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is serving the Kosup family with arrangements.