Richard Armstrong
August 10, 1944 - August 22, 2025
Obituary
DeForest - Richard C. Armstrong, peacefully passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the age of 81 after a long battle with leukemia. Born to Byron W. Armstrong and Svea "Cecelia" (Larson) Armstrong on August 10, 1944, in Superior, Wisconsin, Richard was a loving husband to Laurie and a cherished member of his community. Richard led a life filled with dedication and passion. His commitment to his family, friends, and work was unwavering, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying canoeing, fishing, hunting, birding, hiking, shooting sports and photography. Throughout his 81 years, Richard touched the hearts of many with his kindness, wisdom and goofy sense of humor. In 1984, Richard donated a kidney to his brother Randy. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from UW Superior. He then earned his master's degree in chemistry from Notre Dame University and worked for many years as a teacher at LaCrosse Central High School, Western Wisconsin Technical Institute and Madison Area Technical College. He also volunteered as a firefighter for the town of Campbell in LaCrosse County and also at the DeForest Fire Department.
Richard is survived by his wife, Laurie; his children, Terri Armstrong and Sally Armstrong; grandchildren, Chadd Taylor, Ciara Taylor and Erin Attermeier; sisters-in-law, Deanna Armstrong, Joan Armstrong, Judith Armstrong and Darlene Armstrong; and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron Armstrong and Cele Elmore; and his siblings, Sondra Armstrong, Conrad Armstrong, Michael Armstrong, Steven Armstrong and Randy Armstrong.
A Visitation will take place at 1:00pm on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Rd, DeForest. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30pm. A private family burial will take place at St. Olaf Catholic Cemetery on Sunday. To view this obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Rd
608–846-4250
Events
Visitation
Fri Aug 29, 2025 @ 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home - DeForest • 6924 Lake Rd, Deforest, WI 53532
Memorial Service
Fri Aug 29, 2025 @ 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home - DeForest • 6924 Lake Rd, Deforest, WI 53532
Photos
No photos of Richard have been shared yet.
Memories
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Brian Benson
Classmate •
I echo Jean Brewer Proehl’s comments. Mr. Armstrong set in motion a lifetime spent solving engineering problems. I think of his silliness often. He was the kind of teacher that made me love learning.
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Al Cornell
Friend •
Sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I only knew Richard by encountering him at Sandhill Wildlife Area where we both photoed wildlife. It seemed like each time I went he was there. He said the same. No planning just one of those unexpected things. I was jealous of his seeing and photoing a white coyote. We bonded quickly.
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Bill Huntsman
Coworker •
Rich was a gifted teacher and a great asset to our department. He cared deeply about his students and was very interested in student-centered learning. I also remember his love of photography and how exceptional his photographs were. And, finally, I remember how immensely proud he was of his family. He will be greatly missed.
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Stan Bell
Friend •
A man to look up to a B. F. . An example of a great teacher. A person who loved the outdoors and treated it with respect. Thank you Rich for enriching the lives of so many. My condolences to all🙏. Stan
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Stan Bell
Friend •
A man to look up to a B. F. . An example of a great teacher. A person who loved the outdoors and treated it with respect. Thank you Rich for enriching the lives of so many. My condolences to all🙏. Stan
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George Bell
Friend •
My condolences. He taught the Chemistry class I took my Junior year at La Crosse Central. I enjoyed his class.