Richard "Dick" Tuma, age 80, of Ladysmith, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 9, 2026 following a courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease.

Known to nearly everyone simply as Dick, he was born on May 22, 1945, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, to Louis & Emily Tuma, and spent his life deeply rooted in the community he loved and faithfully served.

On November 25, 1966, Dick was united in marriage to Marlene Stewart. Together, they shared six decades of marriage and opened their home and hearts to many. In addition to raising their own children, Dick & Marlene fostered 68 children, providing care, stability and compassion to those who needed it most.

Dick is survived by his wife: Marlene, children: Annette (Robert) Grotzinger of Ladysmith, Tamy (Edwin) Maciosek of Auburndale, Wisconsin and Richard Tuma of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren & 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a great source of pride and joy, as well as many nieces & nephews. He is further survived by his siblings: David (Robin) Tuma, Rosemary Tuma and Louis Tuma, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents: Louis & Emily and his brothers: James and William Tuma.

Dick dedicated his life to serving others and strengthening the community around him. He worked as an Emergency Medical Instructor at WITC, where he trained hundreds of individuals, including state troopers, fire department personnel and countless students throughout the region. He served as an EMT for over 30 years, was a deputy coroner for several years and co-owned D & M Homecare with his wife for 32 years. They also owned Safe Keeping Guardianship and Sunshine Paramed Services, reflecting his lifelong commitment to caring for others in times of need.

Outside of his professional life, Dick found joy in the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer and an active member of the Bass Masters, Kiwanis Club and Lions Club - a group he proudly called his second family. He volunteered annually as a sector boat operator for Fishing Has No Boundaries, believing that everyone deserved the opportunity to experience the peace and joy of being on the water.

Dick was a pillar of the community; a steady presence who quietly showed up wherever help was needed. He dedicated his life to service, compassion and connection, leaving behind a legacy measured not in titles, but in lives touched. His impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

A memorial visitation will be held at our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Ladysmith on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 9:30 A.M to 11:00 A.M. followed by a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Fr. Richard Rheinhart and Deacons Craig Voldberg and Doug Sorenson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

The complete obituary is also being published in the Ladysmith News.