Richard received his BS and MS in Agriculture Education at the University of Wisconsin- Platteville.  He spent 8 years teaching Vocational Agriculture, and he is a retired dairy and cash crop farmer. Richard still helps out part time for Proven Power, Inc., a lawn and agriculture equipment supplier in Waukesha and Oconomowoc.

Richard was first appointed to the Town of Merton Plan Commission in 1976, and still serves on it today. He served as Town of Merton Chairman for 14 years. He was also elected as Town Supervisor, a position he still holds today. 

Richard has been married to his wife Lois since 1965. He has a daughter, Staci, a son-in-law, Perry, and a grandson, Parker. He enjoys spending time with his family at their condominium on Little Muskego Lake. He also likes to travel and snowmobile. In addition, Richard’s hobbies include model railroading (HO gauge). He is an adjunct of the American Legion Post #289. He is a member at St. Teresa Catholic Church. Richard is also a member of Farmers for Lake Country and is particularly invested in water quality.