Richard E. Hemming

• Captain
• Served:  September 19, 1965 – September 18, 1968
• Vietnam War
• JAG Officer
• Army Commendation Medal

 

Mr. Hemming  was born on January 26, 1939, to Eugene and Virginia (Guenther) Hemming in Janesville, Wisconsin, Dick’s life was shaped by his strong sense of family, community, and an unyielding zest for exploration and achievement.

In 1962, Dick enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he met Colleen, they married on August 29, 1964. After Dick graduated from UW Law School in 1965, the couple moved to Colorado Springs, where he enlisted in the military and served as a Judge Advocate General Officer during the Vietnam War. It was during this time that Dick achieved one of his lifelong dreams: earning his pilot’s license. Flying became a lifelong passion, with Dick piloting trips to his kids’ sporting events, family vacations, and his beloved Crab Lake.

After his military service, Dick returned to Janesville to raise his family, practice law and become a pillar of the community. He poured his heart into projects that would benefit future generations, including the restoration of the Marshall Junior High Auditorium into the Janesville Performing Arts Center and the local YMCA. In Northern Wisconsin, he continued his community involvement, volunteering at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters and serving on the Wilderness Pedalers of Presque Isle Board, and various board positions with the Town of Presque Isle and the Winegar American Legion Post 480.

Athletics were at the core of Dick’s life. A standout athlete in high school, he earned a place in the Janesville Craig Hall of Fame for his achievements in baseball, basketball, and football. At the University of Wisconsin, he continued to excel, playing for the Men’s Baseball Team and rowing with the Men’s Crew Team. After college, Dick’s love for baseball endured—he spent 17 years coaching and 15 years as director of boys’ baseball in Janesville, mentoring countless young athletes.

Despite his busy schedule, Dick always found time for fun, often blending family trips with sporting events, races, and biking adventures—anything that kept him moving. Standing still simply wasn’t in his nature. After 50 years of pushing his knees to the limit with basketball, baseball, and running, Dick embraced biking and snow skiing as his favorite ways to stay active and enjoy life.

Dick’s greatest pride and joy were his four children. Though typically a humble man, he couldn’t help but beam with pride when talking about Mike, Anne, John, and Steve. He shared their accomplishments with enthusiasm, often making sure everyone around him knew just how proud he was. Dick admired the unique paths each of his children had taken, celebrating their individuality and successes. When asked how they turned out so differently, he would famously reply with a grin, “I’m not sure what you mean—I raised them all the same!”

Dick is survived by his four children; Mike, Anne, John, and Steve. He is also survived by his wife of 13 years, Nellie (Herrmann) Hemming, 10 grandchildren and a great- grandchild. He is predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Colleen McKernan Hemming.

See Uncle:  Frank L. Buckley