Richard R Loose

Chilton WI

After 78 years of living life to the fullest, Rich Loose of Chilton passed away on August 27, 2026. He was born February 29, 1948, to Norb and Gertie Loose and married the love of his life, Karen Haltinner on June 28th, 1975. Richie and Karen had five daughters which for many years left little time for Richie to use the bathrooms in the morning. He could often be found pacing the living room or out warming up the car waiting for everyone else to get ready to be sure he was the first to arrive and the last to leave. 

Rich loved living in Chilton and had many deep friendships. His decades long friendships were cultivated during weekends away camping, serving together on the Chilton Fire Department, bowling at Pla-Mor Lanes, and tossing dice or playing cards at the local establishments. As well as eating donuts while enjoying his favorite drink of choice, Dt. Dew, and gossiping at the gas station, frying brats and hamburgers at city band concerts, and volunteering his time for events, such as the Thanksgiving Day Express.  

At first glance someone might have thought that Rich was a grumpy old man, but when looking closer, one would see that even while griping or saying, 'now what?', Rich showed up when he got the call to help. He spent his time volunteering for fund-raisers and at multiple community events. Rich was awarded Chilton Citizen of the Year in 2013 for his contributions to the city.  

Moss did not grow under Rich’s feet, he was up and about meeting friends for breakfast or lunch, going to Cheers for a bowl of soup, bowling in the bowling leagues, driving his truck and later his scooter around town and attending events for his grandkids. Rich was particularly proud that he bowled league for over 50 years, continuing to use a 14-pound ball in last year's league! 

Rich could be found yelling at the TV supporting the Brewers, Bucks, Packers, and Badgers even though they couldn't talk back. His support was not only for professional sports teams; he also attended his daughter's games when they were in school. Most recently he could be found at bowling tournaments, dance competitions, baseball/softball games, basketball games, track meets, swim meets, volleyball games and football games cheering on his grandchildren. (Five baseball games in one day is no small thing!) 

Above all else, Richie embraced life and loved his family beyond all words. He looked forward to moments spent with Karen and his daughters. The yearly cross country road trips taken as a family allowed for quality time together in Big Blue Bessie listening to good ol’ country music. He especially cherished each and every moment he had with his grandchildren. His grandkids were his life, and he lit up whenever he saw them; always saying 'see you later' in anticipation of when he would see them next.  

Survivors include his children: Amy, Peggy, Trisha, and Kayla Loose; his grandchildren: Ariana "College Girl", Aiden "Little Man", Kyren "Big Man", and Nataya “Molly”; and his siblings-in-law: Jane Bolz, Lyle (Connie) Haltinner, and Fran Haltinner. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and MANY friends.   

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Karen; a brother: Roger Loose; a sister: Mary Selk; and his siblings-in-law: Arthur Haltinner, Kenneth Bolz and Patricia Crabtree. 

Funeral service will be at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton.  A time of visitation will be held at Wieting Family Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, September 18, 2026 and on Saturday from 10:30 am until 11:45 am.  

Rich's family would like to say thank you to the medical teams who have supported him and gave him the opportunity to have 55 lives. A big thank you to the organ donors that gifted us more time with him! If you have not considered being a donor, please do and think of the gift you can give a family. 

Although our hearts are broken and we will miss him greatly, this legendary, larger than life man’s stories will continue to be shared by his family and his countless friends.  As a close friend said, dad is mom’s problem now.