RICHARD PIUNTI

Richard L. "Rick" Piunti, of Neenah, age 65, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 24, 2015. He took his last breath as the family finished watching the Indy 500, one of Rick's passions in life. He was born February 23, 1950, in Joliet, IL, son of Caesar "Sky" and Dorothy (Woelfel) Piunti. Rick was very involved with Boy Scouts as a young man, earning his Eagle Scout and attending a World Jamboree in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. Rick graduated from Joliet West High School, then Northern Illinois University with an Accounting Degree, and then from FVTC with a Computer Programming Degree. He and his father lighting technicians at the Rialto Theatre in Joliet, IL and then in Bennettsville, SC. He married Sheila Scheffler on August 16, 1975 in Bennettsville, SC. Rick loved the INDY car series and attended the Indy 500 several times. Rick enjoyed deer hunting with his father-in-law, was an avid bowler throughout his life, and enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge. He was a true die-hard Chicago Bears fan. Rick and Sheila enjoyed travelling with his family throughout the United States, especially taking several cruises. His last cruise was this past February as he celebrated his 65th birthday. Survivors include his wife, Sheila; three children: Roxanne (Craig) Knutson, Sasha (Bryan) Diercks, Suzetta (Dimas) Baltazar; four grandchildren: Dylan Knutson, Nathan Schwandt, Alton Knutson and Elleanor Diercks; his mother, Dorothy Piunti; a sister, Anita (Rich) Campbell; a niece, Danielle Bosse and a nephew, Michael Bosse. Rick was preceded in death by his father. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at Whiting Community Baptist Church, where he attended faithfully, 1020 Tullar Rd, Neenah, with Rev. Nick Seipel officiating. The visitation will be held at the church from 4:00 p.m. until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is established for the Pew Fund at Whiting.