Obituary of Dick Queener

Richard “Dick” Queener April 12, 1943 – March 24, 2023 Richard “Dick” Queener, 79, of Grantsburg, WI passed away peacefully on March 24, 2023, in Lake Havasu City, AZ, after complications with a severe infection. Family was by his side when he went to be with the Lord. Dick was born to Anderson and Edith Queener of Rocky Top, TN on April 12, 1943, and attended schools in Tennessee and Inkster, MI graduating from Cherry Hill High School in 1962. In 1959 Dick met the love of his life Carol LaForge at her 14th birthday party hosted by their best friend Judy Lener. Dick and Carol were married on November 30, 1963 and had two children Ray and Lori. After graduation from apprentice school, Dick became a journeyman tool and die maker for General Motors at the Hydramatic Plant in Willow Run where he was employed until 1972. The couple moved to Grantsburg, WI in August 1972, and in 1973 they opened and operated Wild River Sport Cycle, a Suzuki motorcycle shop. They added Polaris snowmobiles later in 1973 and an assortment of other items such as chainsaws, boats and motors and used cars before four wheelers came onto the market. In the early years of the shop, Carol took on most of the sales and Dick covered all the mechanic work. As the business grew, Dick moved from the backroom to the showroom to help with sales. The shop was recognized as one of the top dealers in sales of Suzuki motorcycles and four wheelers for several years. In 2010 Dick and Carol closed the business, retired and were able to enjoy their home on Big Wood Lake full time. If you frequently drove past their house in the summer on the lake you would always be met with a friendly hello wave from Dick sitting on his porch. Starting in 2018, Dick and Carol spent time in Lake Havasu City, AZ each winter. They loved to get away from the snow and cold and enjoy the restaurants and other establishments Lake Havasu had to offer. During his life, Dick was a Member of the FreeMasons (32nd Degree), the Grantsburg Lions Club and the Grantsburg Snowmobile Club. Dick will be most remembered for his infectious laugh, bear hugs, and storytelling. Besides his love of being on the lake and pontoon, Dick loved to read, hunt, fish and spend time with his family. He greatly enjoyed being the captain of the pontoon taking many trips around Big Wood Lake. Dick is survived by his wife Carol Queener; son Ray (Cheri) Queener; daughter Lori (Cary) Oachs; grandchildren Ashley (Ben) Twait, Anthony (Miranda) Queener, Alex Queener; Kelsey Lien (Brad Berner), Kassie Lien (Nick Turner); Tadd (Stephanie) Oachs, Evan Oachs (Amber Kosir) , and Camryn Oachs; great grandchildren Charlotte and Ellie Queener and Daxton Berner; brothers Grant (Audrey) Queener, Charlie (Linda) Queener; sisters Sandy (Jim) Stafford, Paulette Duhaime; brother Dennis Queener; sister-in-law Kathy (Jerry) Hansen; brother-in-law Ron (Edith) LaForge, and many loving, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Dick is preceded in death by his parents Anderson and Edith Queener, parents-in-law Roy LaForge, Lil and Jerry Green; sisters-in-law Sharon Chilson, Cheryl Queener, brother-in-law Lee Duhaime and son-in-law Darren Lien. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Dick and Carol’s lake home.