Richard F. "Dick" Harkins

Richard F. (Dick) Harkins, age 85, passed away on Monday, December 20th at his home in Watertown surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 28, 1936 to William and Laura (Herlache) Harkins in Milwaukee. Dick is survived by his wife of 65 years, June (nee Kellett); his children, Michael (Kathy), Patrick (Tracey), Peggy (Randy) Kramer and daughter-in-law Shelly Harkins; grandchildren: Matthew (Brittany) Schmidt, Jaclyn (Chad) Schulz, Stephanie (Austin) Lemberger, Lindsey Harkins, Jesika Harkins, Jacob (Karli) Harkins, Elijah (Ashley) Kramer, Zachary (Jesse) Kramer, Blythe (Jaime Gentz) Kramer, Aubrey (Jason) Evans, Morgan Henderson, and Patrick Henderson; special family friend Laurie Noble, 15 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Richard; and his siblings: Robert, William and Patricia. In his early years, Dick owned and operated Harkins Standard Station in Glendale, WI. After selling the service station, he was accepted into the Milwaukee Police Academy. Upon graduation from Recruit Training he reported for duty as a Patrol Officer at two precincts and served the citizens of Milwaukee for 8 years. Dick retired in 1997 after 30 years with American Family Insurance Claims Staff. He implemented modern programs and technology helping advance American Family Claim’s productivity, training, policy interpretation and customer facing claim services. During Dick’s entire life he was the best friend and neighbor that anyone could have wished for. He enjoyed being an NFL Owner, watching the Packers (except when Troy Aikman was providing analysis), boating, grilling, helping neighbors, hunting, fishing, camping, wrenching on cars, trips to the North Woods and Florida. The Harkins Family would like to thank Rainbow Hospice Care, Dr. James Meade & Dr. Mark Carey and their staffs, Rev. Dick Thompson, the caregivers that helped along the journey, including but not limited to Ashley, Hannah, Mel, Jess, Harlee, Holly and Tricia. A special thanks to our family angel, Erin. Dear Family and Friends: A difficult decision has been made regarding the Celebration Of Life for Richard F. (Dick) Harkins. Given the current COVID outbreak nationally and most especially in the Midwest, we as a family, deferring to reasonable concerns, have decided to delay the Celebration of Life until mid-summer for Dick, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Dick. We look forward to the time when we can all share stories and memories of a life well lived and wisdom shared. In lieu of flowers the Harkins Family requests that you consider donating to Wisconsin Concerns Of Police Survivors (wicops.org) P.O. Box 1255, Fond du Lac, WI 54936 or Badger Honor Flight (badgerhonorflight.org).