Richard Charles Kornstedt

Richard Charles Kornstedt, 80, of Cambridge was called to his eternal home on Monday, December 9th, 2024. The 9th of December is significant and a comfort to those he leaves behind, as it is the date of his Wedding Anniversary to Carol, his wife of 49 years.

Richard was born on August 9th, 1944, to William and Mary (Cone) Kornstedt. He was baptized at home on August 9th, by Pastor Wahl of St. James, Cambridge. He was also confirmed by Pastor Wahl at St. James in May of 1958.  He grew up on his family farm located in Cambridge, and graduated as part of the first class at Lakeside Lutheran High School in 1962 (then called Jefferson County Lutheran High School). After high school, Richard attended Wisconsin State University-La Crosse (UW-La Crosse) until the middle of his sophomore year when his dad passed away and he returned to run the farm. On December 9, 1972, Richard married Carol Phillips at St. James Lutheran Church in Cambridge. Together, they raised their three children on the Kornstedt Family Farm. Running the farm was a great source of pride for Richard, especially in August of 2003 when the family and many friends and neighbors gathered to celebrate 100 years, a Century Farm. The family was honored at the Wisconsin State Fair the same month. 

When Richard wasn’t actively plowing, planting, harvesting, feeding cows, or fixing his equipment, he was entertaining family and friends by telling stories, repeating the same jokes, playing baseball and football until dark with his kids and nieces/nephews, coaching t-ball and baseball, umping softball, or cheering on the sidelines of every game and activity his kids participated in.  He frequently took his kids along when spending long hours on the tractor; singing to oldies, teaching math and spelling, or just working as they napped on the tractor’s armrest. Every summer, he planted, watered, grew, and harvested sweet corn for his kids to sell at a roadside stand.

Richard was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Cambridge until his children attended school at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lake Mills and the family transferred church membership to the latter. He was an active board member at both churches, as well as a school board member at St. Paul.

Richard is survived by his three children, Matt (Jennifer) Kornstedt, Kim (Adam Gusse) Kornstedt, Scott (Carrie) Kornstedt; grandchildren, Caden Kornstedt, Carson Kornstedt, Miles Gusse, Amelia Gusse, Payton Kornstedt, Raegan Kornstedt; his sister Edith Legge, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Carol Kornstedt: parents, William and Mary Kornstedt; brother Calvin Kornstedt; and sister Gloria Jacobs. 

In lieu of flowers, make a friend or loved one laugh as Richard would. Find pleasure in the small things in life or enjoy a glass of chocolate milk as you admire God’s beautiful creation. 

Monetary donations can be made to St Paul, Lake Mills.

A private memorial service will be held at Richard’s home, performed by Pastor Bruce McKenney of St. Paul, Lake Mills. 

The family would like to give special thanks to Karen Whitcher, for her care and support these last few years. Thank you also to all the friends and neighbors that visited with dad to keep him company after losing our mom. Thank you to the staff at Agrace Hospice and especially Home Again, Cambridge, for their phenomenal care.  Finally, special thank you to the pastors of St. Paul's Lutheran Church who have served dad in what was most important to him in his earthly life; his faith.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Cambridge is assisting the family.