Richard Hayes

Richard Arlan Hayes passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, after a short illness. He was born on August 14, 1941, as the second of eight children to Edward and Emma (Langeberg) Hayes in Neenah.

Richard’s working life began when his father started Hayes and Sons Painting. Richard went on to become a painter at Wisconsin Tissue Mills. As a young man, he enjoyed detailing his vehicles and drag-racing motorcycles at “KK Sports Arena” in Kaukauna. He had one daughter, Cathi, with his first wife, Karen Rasmussen.

Later he married Anna (Berg) Wyngaard, who brought along three children. Together, they enjoyed country music, traveling, and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife, Anna; his children, Cathi (Peter) Leygh, Brad (Sarah) Wyngaard, Lora (Rick) Meverden, and Jeff Hatcher. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his siblings, Carol Gruel, Sally Liebhauser, Dan Hayes, and Sandy Risse; his in-laws, Ann Hayes, Joan Hayes, Dave Strassman, Joan Janz, Loretta (Gerald) Schultz, Flo Walker, and Richard DeBroux; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Edward Hayes Jr., Ronald Hayes, and William (Susan) Hayes; his sister, Susan Strassman; his stepdaughter, Michelle Hatcher; and several in-laws.

A special thank-you to Pat and Lesley Stoeger.

A celebration of life will be held at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 25th.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s honor can be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin.