Richard B. Pelles

Richard Bartels Pelles, of Minocqua, passed away on January 7, 2016. Dick was born on November 24, 1926 in Oak Park, Illinois. He grew up in Elmhurst, Illinois and spent many summers in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, where his love of the Northwoods began. Dick attended DePauw University and, as a senior, met Sally Conley, a freshman. He never knew what hit him. Dick and Sally were married on August 6, 1949 and settled in Elmhurst, where they had two daughters, Karen and Laura. He began a career in the printing industry, culminating in the founding of Omega Press. The family spent time in the summers in Hazelhurst and Lac du Flambeau and in 1968 they bought a house in Lac du Flambeau. The call of the lake prompted a permanent move in 1972 and Dick made a career change as well. He began a new career in real estate and Sally joined him, opening The Property Store. Dick was active on the Boards of Directors of many local groups and institutions after becoming a resident of the Minocqua area, including HYMC, Northwoods Rehabilitation Associates, Minocqua Country Club, and the Restless Weasels. He and Sally made many close friends and enjoyed entertaining, boating, cooking, and travel. After retiring from real estate, the allure of bigger boats and bigger water prompted them to buy a boat in Florida, the Star Knot, and they spent six winters exploring the Intracoastal Waterway, coming back up north to the lake in the summers. Dick became interested in drawing and painting after returning to year-round residence at the lake, and his talent brought him to his final career as an artist. His paintings can be found in many area homes of friends and family, as well as the halls of HYMC. He completed his last painting, a portrait of his daughter Laura, two weeks before he died. Dick enjoyed cooking and eating, woodworking, Canadian fishing trips, gardening, boating, reading, crosswords and music, but most of all, he loved his family and friends. He had a quick wit and sense of humor and was a great storyteller, a lover of dogs, and was always happy to share good conversation and a bottle of wine. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Karen Ippen (John) and Laura Fuhrman (Rick) and his grandchildren, Will Ippen, Laura Ippen, and Sam Fuhrman. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ethelwyn Pelles of Elmhurst, Illinois, and his wife, Sally Conley Pelles, the love of his life. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Mama’s Supper Club from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lakeland Area Special Olympics, PO Box 704, Minocqua, WI 54548.

Richard B. Pelles

November 24, 1926 - January 7, 2016