When you meet Renaissance Senior Living of Hilldale resident Richard “Rick” Walgenbach, you sense right away that hard work and a hunger for knowledge have always been his compass. Born and raised in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Rick grew up in a bustling household as the second of six children—a lively mix of three boys and three girls. His father balanced life as a farmer and milk truck driver, while his mother, a registered nurse, poured her energy into raising the family before eventually returning to her own nursing career once the youngest children were school-aged.

School was an early proving ground for Rick. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School through eighth grade, then St. Mary’s Springs High School, where he stood out not just for his academic drive but for his leadership and sense of responsibility. Rick served as class president in both his freshman and junior years and took on the role of treasurer as a sophomore, already showing the steady hand his family and friends would come to rely on.

After graduation, Rick headed to UW–Madison, living in the dorms and working diligently to help cover the cost of tuition. Even in those early years, he recognized the value of education and was determined to make it work, despite the strain on his family’s finances. Then, during his junior year, everything changed—his father suffered a heart attack, and Rick made the difficult decision to put his studies on hold for over a year so he could return home and help run the family farm. It was a defining moment that revealed his sense of duty and love for his family.

Eventually, Rick returned to UW–Madison. Alongside his studies, he joined the Army Reserves and completed Drill Sergeant Academy training, adding another layer to his character: discipline and service. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and landed a job as a research technician, where his dedication caught the attention of a professor who encouraged Rick to keep learning. Balancing work and study, Rick earned his master’s degree and, with another mentor’s encouragement, took on the challenge of a PhD. His academic journey led him to Minnesota, where he completed his doctorate and found a new home for his growing ambitions.

While attending graduate school in Minnesota, Rick met his future wife, who was then an undergraduate student also studying Agronomy. Their shared passion for the field sparked a connection, and soon they were inseparable. The couple married in Minnesota and celebrated their honeymoon with an unforgettable trip to Europe. After Rick completed his doctorate, he accepted his first position as an assistant professor in Illinois. Two years later, Rick was offered a unique opportunity with the United States Department of Agriculture in Madison, Wisconsin, where he would help establish a new research department. This new role brought the family back to Madison, a place that would become home as Rick built both his career and his family.

Home in Madison, Rick’s focus was always on family as much as career. He and his first wife raised three daughters, each forging their own impressive paths. Emily graduated from Columbia University and now works for the Federal Reserve in New York City. Elizabeth, who was always drawn to the past, studied Medieval History and Literature at Cornell before continuing her education in Canada and later at Yale.

Fluent in four languages, she followed her passion for ancient texts all the way to Iceland, where she conducted her thesis research using Old Norse manuscripts. There, she met her husband, and the two married in Iceland, where they now live with their three daughters. Laura, the youngest, combined her love of French and Fashion Design into a career creating and selling her own clothing designs, while also putting her skills to use part-time at a sewing machine company in the area.

Though Rick and his first wife eventually parted ways, he always prioritized staying close to his daughters, supporting them through every stage and milestone in their lives. In 2012, Rick met Lisa, who would become his wife and partner ever since—a new chapter marked by companionship and shared dreams.

Rick retired at age 70 after a distinguished career in agricultural research and education. Today, he enjoys spending time gardening and hopes to explore woodworking more in the future—a lifelong learner, always eager for the next project.



From the fields of Fond du Lac to the halls of academia and the warmth of family gatherings, Rick’s story is woven with perseverance, curiosity, and steadfast devotion. His journey is still unfolding—quietly inspiring those around him and leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to share in his company.