He attended one room rural schools in Stanton County and Dodge County and graduated from Dodge High School in 1946. He was drafted during WWII in the Army Air Corps and became a radar repairman. After attending the University of Nebraska briefly he was recalled to active duty with the Navy in the Korean Conflict as an aircraft radio repairman. Returning to the University of Nebraska, he completed a B.S. degree in Technical Agriculture in 1954 and a Master’s degree in Agronomy (Soils) in 1956.He moved to North Carolina and was employed with the Soil Testing Division of the State Department of Agriculture during which he completed a Ph.D in Soil Chemistry and Plant Nutrition from North Carolina State University. He moved his family to Wisconsin in 1960 and worked as a Soil Fertility Specialist for seven years before returning to the University of Nebraska and was involved in Soil Testing Procedures legislation and cooperative sample system for laboratories. He directed educational programs in partnership with agribusinesses in Nebraska and developed management systems for growing soybeans in high pH soils. His interest in water quality began with a sizable effort in developing Nebraska’s first water plans. This led to a dedicated interest in water and nitrogen management for field crops.
Richard was elected to three honorary societies: Alpha Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta and Sigma Si. He worked on a national committee for nine years in developing an exam program for Certified Crop Consultants.
After retirement he was engaged for 10 years in consulting and contract educational work, served as an interim President of a Research Foundation, advisory to major corporate farm suppliers, and on the Board of Directors of an International Research Foundation. Work took him to Nigeria, China, Brazil and several states, culminating in a final retirement after serving production agriculture for a total of 47 years and received several awards for his dedicated service.
Richard was active in Naval Reserve duties for 24 years and retired at the Rank of Captain.
He is survived by his wife Luree of 45 years and eight children; Michelle (Kevin) Maas, Gregg (Shari) Wiese, Dana Jo Scheele, Karen Jardine, David (Susan) Wiese, Rae Ellen (Gilbert) Johnson, Robert (Laura) Wiese, and Paul Wiese and first wife JoAnne of 24 years; sister Millie and husband Dale Best; and brother Maury and wife Suzanne Wiese. Preceded in death by his daughters Mary Christa and Laurie Beth, granddaughter Lisa Wiese, sons-in-law Mike Scheele and Mike Jardine, sisters Irene (Wiese) Kenny and husband Richard, Helen (Wiese) Carl and husband John, brother Francis Wiese and wife Kathy.
Funeral service: 11:00 am Friday, March 1, 2024, North American Martyrs Church, 1101 Isaac Drive. Rosary 1 hour prior. Father Nathan Hall officiating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials suggested for the North American Martyrs School Endowment.