To live in the hearts and minds of those we leave behind

Let us help get you started

Obituary for Richard E. Storandt


Richard E. Storandt, 93, of West Salem, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2023, at Riverside Transitional Care in La Crosse.

He was born February 25, 1930, at the La Crosse Hospital, to Clifton and Alice (Johnson) Storandt. Richard was raised in West Salem on a crop farm where he had dogs, cats, and farm animals growing up. Richard was a farmer as his primary occupation; but also worked for 33 years for La Crosse Telephone Company until his retirement. Richard met Mary Carson at the Cataract Dance Hall and they later eloped and were married on August 18, 1951. Together they raised their three daughters in West Salem.

In his earlier years he enjoyed playing Bingo and cards, hunting, fishing, pontoon rides, and growing a vegetable garden. Richard treasured his trips to North Dakota, Montana, and Northern Minnesota with his wife and daughters.

He was most recently enjoying going outside for fresh air, watching sports and the news on television, and especially the Lawrence Welk Show.

Richard had a deep faith and was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Salem where he served on the church council and volunteered for various other church groups.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 72 years, Mary; three daughters, Renee (Ken) Herman, Rebecca (Dennis) Wee, and Reetta (Jon) Bergh; grandchildren, Katie (John) Jones, Kristie (Jess) Peters, Mackenzie (Markus) Narins, David Wee, Zachary Bassett, Mallory ( Corey) Lemke; great-grandchildren, Haley and Erin Jones, Mason and Jillian Peters, Charlotte and Elanora Narins, Weslyn Lemke; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dolores (Merrill) Vanderhoof; granddaughter, Kimberlie Wee; and Mary’s siblings and their spouses.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 359 Leonard Street North, West Salem. Burial will follow in Neshonoc Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service, Thursday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Our Savior's Lutheran Church Building Fund.

The family would like to give a sincere thank you to the wonderful staff at Riverside Transitional Care for the loving and compassionate care given to Richard.

"Exciting trip, take care, see you all later, Amen!" -Richard.