Richard Barry Leventhal 75 of Menomonie passed away on October 15, 2017 at American Lutheran Home after a long battle with multiple myeloma.

He was born in Chicago on October 4, 1942 to Charles and Frances (Geckler) Leventhal. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Knox College in Galesburg, IL and his doctorate in counseling and guidance from the University of Indiana. He worked as a clinical psychologist for the Dunn County Department of Human Services for nearly forty years.

Richards’s profession engaged him with many local citizens, and much of his work included support for veterans and at-risk youth. An advocate for rural health care needs, he also passionately advocated for recognition and assistance for the Lao/Hmong American community of Dunn County.

He delighted in socializing and had been a member of the Dunn County Fish and Game, an avid area golfer and bowler, a proud participant in the St. Joseph’s parish choir, and many other organization.

Richard is survived by his wife of 47 years, Margaret Mary (Neman), daughters Emily (Dan  Mears) of Tallahassee, FL, Katherine (Adam) Berliner of Baltimore, MD, sons Joseph (Catherine) of Fond du Lac, WI, Thomas (Katie Lorentz) of Kansas City, MO, seven grandchildren, a sister Roberta Leventhal of San Antonio, TX, and brother Warren of Chicago, IL. A nephew, Paul Neman and nieces Mary Neman and Treena Moore and numerous cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stepping Stones, (Dunn County Area Food Pantry, 1620 Stout Rd.), the Dunn County Fish and Game Scholarship Fund (1600 Pine Ave.), or St. Joseph’s Elementary School Scholarship Fund (910 Wilson Ave.)

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday October 19, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. James Kurzinski officiating with burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Condolences

1. Leif Ostgard September 5, 2022, at 3:24am

   ***WHEN I WAS 8 YEARS OLD, MY ALCOHOLIC MOTHER CAME UNDER THE RADAR OF THE DUNN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (I GREW UP IN MENOMONIE). THIS WAS THE 80'S, AND AS SUCH, PEOPLE DIDN'T WANT TO BELIEVE THAT MOTHERS WERE NOT DEFENDERS OF CHILDREN, SALT OF THE EARTH, ETC. WITH THIS ROUSE, MY MOTHER DEMONIZED MYSELF AND MY OLDER BROTHER AS THE ROOT OF ALL HER PROBLEMS AND EXCUSE FOR HER DRINKING AND DRUG USE. HENCE, I WAS REQUIRED TO SEE MR. LEVENTHAL ONCE A WEEK FOR A FEW YEARS. I REMEMBER HIS OFFICE VERY WELL, IT WAS DARK WITH ONLY A SINGLE LAMP ON, LIT DIM. HE HAD A CONSTANT FAN GOING ON LOW THAT WAS DUSTY. RICH NEVER GOT ABOVE A CERTAIN BASSLINE IN HIS VOICE--ALMOST LIKE HE WAS ABOUT TO PUT YOU IN A TRANCE, AND HIS WORDS WERE ALWAYS LAYERED IN A ACCENT I COULDN'T DETERMINE. I DON'T REMEMBER MUCH ABOUT THOSE MEETINGS AS I REALLY HAD NOTHING TO DEVULGE. MY MOTHER WAS SIMPLY LYING ON HER CHILDREN TO COVER FOR HER PERSONAL FAULTS AND FAILURES AS A PARENT. I REMEMBER I WAS FULLY AWARE OF WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THAT IT WASN'T RIGHT TO DO TO MY BROTHER AND I. I WOULD SIT THERE AND I ONLY RECALL RICH WOULD POKE AND PRY, TRYING TO FIND THE REASON FOR MY NON-EXISTENT DISCIPLINARY BEHAVIOR. HOWEVER, I HAD NOTHING TO TELL HIM. THESE MEETINGS WERE EVENTUALLY CEASED AND I WAS PUT IN FOSTER CARE, AT WHICH TIME I WAS MOVED TO LOCAL THERAPIST MIKE WILLIAMS' PRACTICE. WILLIAMS HAD A VASTLY DIFFERENT APPROACH THAN RICH. WILLIAMS WOULD SHAKE MY HAND BEFORE AND AFTER EVERY MEETING, USE A WHITEBOARD AND TRY TO DISCOVER WHAT MY MIND SET WAS AND HOW BEST TO ENSURE I WAS ABLE TO NAVIGATE THRU A DIFFICULT HOME LIFE. THOUGH THEY HAD DIFFERENT WAYS OF PRACTICE AND I WAS MORE IN TUNE WITH WILLIAMS', I RESPECT WHAT RICH WAS ATTEMPTING TO DO WHEN I GOT OLDER. THOUGH I NEVER TOLD ANYONE AT THE TIME THE EXTENT OF MY MOTHERS SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND HENCE WAS UNABLE TO REALLY FIX WHAT WASN'T BROKEN. IT'S ALWAYS SAD WHEN A FIGURE FROM YOUR LIFE PASSES. IF RICH COULD READ THIS I WOULD LET HIM KNOW THAT I BECAME SUCCESSFUL AS AN ADULT. I ENLISTED IN THE AIR FORCE AND TRAVELED THE WORLD, EVENTUALLY LANDING A JOB WITH THE FEDS THAT IS QUITE HONORABLE. WHICH FROM WHERE I CAME FROM, SEEMED DAMN NEAR IMPOSSIBLE, BUT IT HAPPENED. DURING MY 20'S AND 30'S I ENJOYED IMMENSE SUCCESS AS A TELEVISED PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER, WHICH IS A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL OF IMPROBABLE THINGS I WAS ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH BASED ON MY YOUTH. NOW, AT 43, I AM A FATHER TO A BEAUTIFUL 5 MONTH OLD GIRL NAMED PIPER. LIFE HAS BEEN BEAUTIFUL FOR ME, BUT THERE IS A STORY BEHIND ALL OF US THAT COMES FROM A PLACE THAT ISN'T ALWAYS PLEASANT. AND THAT STORY INCLUDES PEOPLE, WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE THERE. SOMETIMES DIRECTLY, SOMETIMES INDIRECTLY. FOR WHAT ITS WORTH AND I MEAN THIS WILL ALL SINCERITY. RICH. THANK YOU. GOODSPEED, REST IN PEACE AND I HOPE HAS FOUND A NICE PLACE FOR YOU AMONGST THE HEAVENS.***

2. Debra Drivas October 24, 2017, at 7:06pm

   Margaret and Family, so sorry to read of Rich's passing. What a wonderful and forthright person he was. Very sad to read this. God Bless. RIP, Rich!

3. Bill Siedlecki October 20, 2017, at 8:26pm

   Richie made me smile, made me think and made me profoundly impressed with his passion for issues and people. A truly good man.

4. Karen & Michael Stein October 19, 2017, at 2:59pm

   Our condolences for your loss. We will miss our neighbor. Do not hesitate to call us if we can ever be of any help.

5. Chuck Kingsley October 19, 2017, at 1:30pm

   Dear Margaret,
   It is my hope that you are able to find some support and solace at this time. I can only imagine what it must have been like for you to make those calls announcing Rich's death and yet you did. He spoke often about how much he valued your consistent loving care. I just wanted to thank you and let you know that you, along with your family, are in my thoughts and prayers.

6. Thomas Johnson October 19, 2017, at 8:12am

   As an old bowling team mate and Kiwanis member with Rich, I will always remember him for his quick wit, sense of family, and community to make the world a better place. I'm very sorry for your loss. Hoping this will give you some comfort: that part of Rich's life will always be alive in the people whose lives he touched. Again, my deepest condolences to you all. Tom Johnson

7. DeeAnn Rose October 18, 2017, at 7:59pm

   To the Leventhal family and extended family and friends, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May his memories comfort you all. I only met Richard once and understood where his son Joe got his sense of humor. RIP...

8. Arlan Henke October 18, 2017, at 6:10pm

   Sad to hear of Rich's passing. He was always so upbeat. My condolences to you, Margaret Mary, Joe and all who loved Rich. God's peace. John 14:27....

9. Tammy (Fluger) Chako October 18, 2017, at 8:53am

   Dear Mrs. Leventhal and Family,

   It was with great sadness that I learned of Rich’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on your loss.

   My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. I worked with Rich for 12 years at Dunn County DHS but live on the East Coast now.

   I will always remember Rich fondly and have wonderful memories of the years I spent working with him. He was so bright and intelligent and I learned so much from him! He always shared many wonderful family stories and I know you will all be a great source of comfort and support to one another.

   I will always remember him for his caring and supportive nature. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

   Kind regards,
   Tammy M. Chako

10. Jon Hove October 17, 2017, at 6:41pm

    Rich was a larger than life character. Always a story and dialogue on the golf course. I wish he had written a book on his experiences. He will be missed. Jon

11. MaryAnn (Hittman) Lueck October 17, 2017, at 10:13am

    Dear Leventhal Family,
    We are so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. Your family is in our prayers.

12. Fariba and Jafar October 17, 2017, at 9:59am

    Dear Margaret, joseph, Emily, Kate and Thomas, please accept our sincere condolences. May God give you strength in these difficult time.
    We love you all very much.

13. Kent Family October 17, 2017, at 9:45am

    Richard was a part of our extended family. We are deeply saddened by news of his passing but hopeful he has found eternal peace. Much love to his wife, daughters and sons, and grandchildren.

14. Lesley A Nelson October 17, 2017, at 7:38am

    I am so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He was my mentor at Dunn Co Behavioral Health. I learned so much from him. He will be missed by so many people that he touched!

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