Richard John Taugher

Richard John “Dick” Taugher passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the age of 95 years and 10 months. He was born on May 12, 1930. 

He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 65 years, Donna May (Sievers) Taugher. They built a life rooted in faith, family, and responsibility. Their marriage was a testimony of love and partnership.

Dick graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry. He proudly served his country in the 1950s as a dentist in the United States Air Force, stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Following military service, he and Donna returned to Wisconsin with daughters Stacey and Bridget. He opened his dental practice in Waukesha. Four more children joined the family: Tom,Kelly, Jim, and Jack.

Much of family life was centered in the Town of Genesee. Dick and Donna’s home held stability,laughter, and lasting memories. Family vacations were important, including Florida, Gulf Shores,Alabama, and road trips. These experiences are treasured traditions and have carried forward to the next generation.

Dick loved his work and built lasting relationships with his patients. He served his community and helped found the St. Joseph’s Free Medical and Dental Clinic in Waukesha. After retiring in1993, Dick took numerous mission trips to Central America with the Christian Medical and Dental Association.

Golf was one of the simple pleasures he enjoyed, especially as a member of the Thursday Men’s League at Nagawaukee Golf Course. It was less about the score and more about friendships, routine, improvement, and the satisfaction of showing up week after week.

Our father showed us how to work hard, provide for our family, save money and spend wisely,take care of our home, and find something you enjoy doing. He valued his marriage, faith,family, work, and commitment. He did not talk about those things; he simply lived them.

These last years, and especially these last weeks, were a sacred season for our family. Our parents were blessed to have a primary caregiver, Melanie, along with a small team who helped care for him in his home. Melanie became family. All of the kids showed up, stayed involved,and did what families do.

Siblings and Melanie were with him when he took his last breath. It was peaceful. It was time.

He is healed. He is at peace. And he is reunited with our mom, whom he deeply missed these past six years. He is rejoicing with his Savior.

Dick is survived by his six children: Stacey (the late Mike) Gehred; Bridget (Pat) Seegers; Tom(Pam) Taugher; Kelly (Greg) Schleusner; Jim (Andrea) Taugher; and Jack (Kimberly) Taugher. He will be missed by 20 grandchildren: Callie (Nathaniel) Causey, Teryn (Graeme) Roberts,Kerstin (Conor) Dwyer, Britney (Mitchell) Fowler, Shannon (Charles Kloppenburg) Seegers,Colleen Seegers, Joseph (Coral), Seegers, Mary (Konrad) Bueckers, Michael (Karysa) Seegers,Lauren (Thomas) McInerny, Leah Taugher, Ryan Taugher, Marissa Taugher, Kelsey Taugher,Taylor (Brenna) Schleusner, Alyssa (Jack) Printz, Dylan (Lauren) Taugher, Morgan Taugher,Layla Taugher, and Miles Taugher; and 12 great-grandchildren: Evelyn and Caleb Roberts,Leiahna, Natalie, and Claire Fowler, Emma, Julia, and Anna McInerny, Audrey Taugher, Lincoln Schleusner, Olivia and Finley Printz along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion shown by Melanie, Mimi, Cheryl,Jenny, Ava, Kate, and Melanie’s family who supported him with kindness, fun and dignity.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, followed by a memorial service and a celebration lunch. Military honors will be provided in recognition of his service to our country.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Lake Area Free Clinic (Dental Clinic) are appreciated.From all of us, we love you, Dad. 

You are the patriarch of our family, and your legacy will live on.