Richard Stage

Richard "Dick" Stage, age 87, passed away on June 4, 2025 with his wife by his side.

Dick was born on September 19, 1937 in Eau Claire. He attended Eau Claire Senior High School and graduated in 1957. After graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1957 to 1960 overseas as a flame thrower.

After coming back to the states he met and married Karen Blanken in 1961. Together they had 2 sons, Duane and Robert. Dick joined the LAPD in 1966 and served until 1979. He flew helicopters and was honored to take Richard Nixon to a basketball game as private security. He also was honored to meet Ronald Reagan.

After retiring from LAPD due to health problems, he and his family moved back to Eau Claire.

After Karen passed away, he met Cheryl (Klavetter) and they married in 1991, Dick worked at CVTC in security systems.

Dick is survived by his wife, Cheryl; son Robert, Eleva; daughters: Stephanie (Mark) Yarrington, Eau Claire, Stacia Brain (David Lopez), Las Vegas and Amanda Burkart, Eau Claire; brother Jerry Stage; 11 grandchildren: Heather, Trisha, Autumn, Willow, Hunter, Samantha, Lexi, Sydni, Elijah, Emerson, and Alanna; 3 great grandchildren: Alaina, Kade and Bodie; brother-in-law and great friend Melvin Rude; and multiple nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen, son, Duane, sisters, Roberta Rude, Opal (Punky) Luhman, brother, James Stage and mother, Gertrude.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Parkway, Altoona with Pastor Christine Emerson officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until time of service. Burial will full military honors will be at Rest Haven Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.