Richard "Dick" Huntoon

Richard "Dick" Huntoon, of Tomahawk, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 2, 2017 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. Richard Benson Huntoon was born November 27, 1932, in Moline, IL to Benson and Ella (Gralow) Huntoon. He grew up in Aledo, IL, graduating from Aledo High School in 1950. During high school Dick was employed as a lifeguard and manager of the Aledo Pool. He entered Monmouth College (IL) in 1950, transferring to the University of Illinois following his sophomore year. During this time he met the former Jean Robb and they were married in 1953. He graduated from the University of Illinois-Champaign in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954, was first stationed in El Paso, Texas, and later assigned to Babenhausen, Germany for two years of service. Following his discharge from the service in 1958, his career in Aerospace Research and Design began at Chrysler Missile in Detroit, MI. Moving to Syracuse, New York in 1959, he was employed by General Electric. In 1964, his career took the family to Columbus, Ohio, where he was employed by North American Aviation (later Rockwell International). During a hiatus in employment at Rockwell, he was employed briefly at Western Electric in Columbus, returning to Rockwell until 1980 when he transferred to Cedar Rapids, IA, where he retired in 1995. During his employment in Columbus, Dick continued his lifelong interest in music by studying music (via the GI Bill) at Capital University. Throughout his career, Dick performed in and directed company bands and choirs, also serving many years as a church organist and choir director. He also inspired dozens of piano students through his private studio. During this time he also earned his MBA at Capital. He was employed as adjunct mathematics faculty at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and later Upper Iowa University at the Wausau, WI campus, where he was in his 21st year of teaching at the time of his death. In addition to his professional career, Dick served as a church organist and Bible study leader for the past 41 years, currently at Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk, WI. Survivors include Dick's wife, Jean Robb Huntoon, three children, Ben (Kathy) of Columbus, OH; Ann (David Hastings) of Stevens Point, WI; and John (Diana) Huntoon of Cicero, IN. Grandchildren include, Grace (Jon) Rattay, Daniel Knuth, David (Kelly) Knuth, Isaac Huntoon, along with step-grandchildren Alex (Tiffany) Hastings, and Charlie (Emily) Hastings. Great-grandchildren are Cayla and Evelyn Rattay. Dick was predeceased by his parents. The Memorial Service for Dick will take place at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 14 at Grace Lutheran Church, in Tomahawk. Pastor Mark Ziemer will officiate. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00AM until the time of service at 11:00AM. Memorials made in Dick's name are appreciated to Grace Lutheran Church.