Racine – Richard John Heffel, age 75, passed away on May 30, 2025, at Oak Ridge Care Center in Union Grove. He was born on November 17, 1949, in Racine, WI where he lived his entire life. Richard graduated from Washington Park High School in 1967 and went on to attend UW – Stout from the fall of 1967 to the fall of 1971. He graduated on December 23, 1971, with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He reattended UW - Stout from the summer of 1973 through the fall of 1974 for additional graduate classes.

Richard loved playing guitar and spent a few years traveling in a band. He enjoyed his family and had an extraordinary fondness for animals. You would find him relaxing with his dogs around him, and they often traveled in his car with him. Bubba was one of his earlier dogs and one of the family favorites.

Richard worked for several years as a probation officer in Racine until his retirement. Aside from his job, he enjoyed fishing, watching football, traveling, visiting and spending time with his friends and family.

Richard was preceded in death by the love of his life, Rachel Keilholz; his parents, Samuel and Eileen Heffel; his sister, Judith Oberdorfer; and his younger brother, William Heffel.

Richard leaves behind his brother, David Heffel; sister, Jeanne Smith; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Richard was a great, one-of-a-kind guy, and will be missed by those who knew and loved him.