Richard Lincoln Kornmesser

Dr. Richard Lincoln Kornmesser passed peacefully in his sleep on June 11, 2016 at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. He was born February 12, 1919 to Henry and Josephine Kornmesser in Jamestown, North Dakota. Richard had a special connection to his middle name, Lincoln. He was born on Lincoln’s birthday, lived on Lincoln Street, and attended Lincoln Elementary School in Jamestown. He graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, mostly as doctor of optometry at Huff Army Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. After his military discharge in 1946, he joined his father, Dr. Henry Kornmesser, in his optometry practice in Olympia. Richard liked to help others, especially helping them to improve their vision. He loved his profession! He was once a featured speaker at an international eye care congress in Japan. He also was appointed by Washington Gov. Arthur Langlie to serve on the Board of Examiners for licensing of optometrists. Richard married Joyce Bunch in December 1948 in Olympia. They lived in the Olympia/Tumwater area for 70 years, moving to Lacey, Washington in May 2016. He was an avid tennis player from his teenage years until he was 85. He and Joyce loved boating and were members of the Olympia Yacht Club for many years before taking up RVing, which they did for 30 years, eventually dividing time between Washington and Arizona. Richard is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joyce Kornmesser of Lacey, Washington; son, Allen Kornmesser of Seattle, Washington; his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Hendries of Rathdrum, Idaho; and his beloved dog, Gretchen. He was predeceased by his parents; and son, Richard L. Kornmesser, Jr. Memorial donations may be made to Thurston County Food Bank or Meals on Wheels. Please leave memories of Richard or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.