Richard Robert Kwarcinski

Richard Robert Kwarcinski, 86, of Burlington, WI, formerly Mountain Home, AR, passed away and joined his Savior on May 14, 2019 at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI.

Richard was born June 7, 1932 in Chicago, IL to the late Harriette (Trawinski) and Frank Kwarcinski. His early years were spent in Chicago,  and he attended St. Wenceslas Grammar School, DePaul Academy High School, and DePaul University.  He married Margaret June Klepsteen on August 30, 1958 in Chicago, IL, and was blessed with 60 years of marriage.  Richard spent most of his life living in Illinois, but enjoyed retirement in Mountain Home, Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin to be with family.

After high school, Richard served his country in the US Army, stationed in Japan during the Korean War. He had a passion for barbershop singing and was a member of numerous men's choruses and quartets, most recently the Country Gentlemen of Lake Geneva, WI. Richard was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and deep voice - which often led to narrations and scripture readings at church. He served as a Deacon, sang in the choir and Glory Singers, fed the needy, and supported youth ministries. He enjoyed being a Boy Scout leader for many years. He loved animals, and was a board member and long-time volunteer with the Humane Society. Hobbies included photography, bowling, softball, tennis, boating, gardening, and watching his favorite team - the Chicago Cubs.

A true scientist at heart, Richard dedicated his career to the research and development of plastics. He was employed as a chemist and Research Laboratory Supervisor at Borg Warner Research in Des Plaines, IL for 27 years.  Before retiring in 1998, he joined a team at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, doing research on the recyclability of polymers.

Richard is survived by his wife, Margaret June Kwarcinski; daughter Kathy (Jeff) Wills of Burlington, WI; Kurt (Laurie) Kwarcinski of Belen, NM; Scott (Monica) Kwarcinski of Newtown, CT; grandchildren Hannah, Ethan and Katya Wills, and Connor and Alexa Kwarcinski; brother-in-laws Harry (Carol) Klepsteen and Guy Klepsteen, and many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harriette and Frank Kwarcinski and beloved sister Virginia.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Golden Years - Lake Geneva and St. Croix Hospice - Delevan for all their support, care, and compassion the last three months.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Community United Methodist Church (455 South Jefferson Street Waterford WI 53185), 11:00-11:45 AM memorial gathering, service at 12 PM. He will be interred at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI.

Memorials are suggested to Lakeland Animal Shelter - Elkhorn, WI or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Robert Kwarcinski, please visit our floral store.