Richard R. Gittus

Richard Roth Gittus, 80, of Beaver Dam passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Richard was born on May 24, 1946 in Mauston to Richard and Lois (Roth) Gittus. He was raised by his mother and step-father Norman Fox.  He was a graduate of Custer High School in Milwaukee and attended the University of Maine. Richard proudly served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard as a telegrapher from 1964 – 1968. He was married to Suzanne Wolfe who preceded him in death. Richard was later married to Janet Linde who also preceded him in death. On August 3, 2003, he married Kathleen Hasson at Trinity Church – United Methodist in Beaver Dam. Richard spent his career in finance and banking in the Beaver Dam area.

Richard was a member of Trinity Church – United Methodist in Beaver Dam. He helped start the Beaver Dam Hockey Association and was a hockey referee for 30 years. Richard was a member of the Jaycees and an active member of the Dodge County YMCA where he enjoyed racquetball. He became an early member of the pickleball club in Beaver Dam.  Richard enjoyed all things Wisconsin sports. Over the years, he loved his daily dog walks through the neighborhood. An expert cribbage player, there was nothing he enjoyed more than passing on his knowledge of the game to his younger family members. In recent years, weekend getaways to their condominium on Castle Rock Lake became a haven for swimming, boating, and games of all kinds, bringing joy and laughter to Richard and the whole family.

Richard is survived by his wife Kathleen of Beaver Dam; his children: Derek (Allison) Gittus of Portsmouth, RI, Dale (Timothy) Heckert of Appleton, Drew (Brittney) Gittus of Mazomanie, Robin (Neil) Hundt of Altoona, Jill (David) Meltz of Appleton; step-son Daniel (Erin) Hasson of Carver, MN; grandchildren: Trevor, Brayden, Paige, Finnley, Zander, Dakota, Lincoln, and Corbin; his sister Deb (Bill) Navarre; half-brothers: Darin Gittus and Doug (Donna) Gittus; niece and nephew: Kim Navarre and Tony Navarre; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step father Norman Fox; his wife Suzanne; his wife Janet; and an infant son Patrick.

A memorial gathering will be held at Trinity Church – United Methodist in Beaver Dam on Monday, October 5, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 12 p.m. Inurnment will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Beaver Dam with military honors to be conducted.

Memorials may be directed to the Beaver Dam Hockey Association.