Richard C. "Dick" Plante

Richard C. “Dick” Plante, age 79, passed away Thursday, September 20, 2007 at Sacred Heart Hospital after a long and courageous battle. He was born February 2, 1928 in Chippewa Falls, WI to Eugene and Mary Plante. “Dick” had a very full and interesting life. He was a member of the 1944 Minnesota Golden Gloves Boxing Team and continued boxing while in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was instrumental in starting up the Eau Claire Glovers Boxing Club in 1981 and attended the Olympic Training Camp in Colorado. After returning home from the Navy, “Dick” married his childhood sweetheart, Bev Rienhart on August 4, 1948. Together, they had three children and after many years of foster care parenting, adopted another child. In 1974, they were honored by Governor Patrick Lucey as Foster Parents of the Year. Later, they started the Plante Group Home and parented many troubled boys and girls. Many will remember “Dick” for his talent as a cook. He loved to look for new recipes and was never afraid to try something new. His specialties were his custard meringue pie and his ever famous pancakes. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Some of his hunting and fishing stories would make your chin drop and are remembered by family and friends with a smile and a chuckle. “Dick” will be missed by all who knew him, especially his family. Survivors include his wife, Bev, of Eau Claire, WI; three daughters: Michelle (Bruce) McCarty of Eau Claire, WI, Sue (Jim) Fisher of Eau Claire, WI & Sherry Lynn Plante of Eau Claire, WI; a son: Eugene (Kyra) Plante of Eau Claire, WI; and a foster-son: Peter (Candace) Svensson of Red Wing, MN. He is further survived by 9 grandchildren & 6 great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Eugene & Mary Ellen (nee Flaherty) Plante; two brothers: Tom and Jack Plante; and a sister: Donna Hansen. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Service, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire. Friends may call from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. Condolences may be made care of the funeral home or online at 866allfaiths.com.