Posted on 07/11/2018
Judge Richard G. Greenwood, 90, passed away due to complications of Parkinson's disease on Sunday, July 1, 2018. Richard was born to the late Ruth and Glen Greenwood on November 4, 1927. His brother, Thomas, preceded him in death. Richard is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol, and their children, Amy Pautzke, Jim; Julie Tennessen, Tom; Brian Greenwood and Victoria Greenwood; grandchildren, Carolyn, Mallory, Chloe and Jenna; and a great-grandson, Linkon. Richard led a colorful and exciting life and had many friends, both here and abroad.
Richard graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1949. There, he achieved his commission of Naval Officer and was active in sports, winning the Intercollegiate Boxing Championships for his alma mater. After graduation, Richard attended the U.S. Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida where he earned his wings and then went on to Key West for night flying training.
During the Korean Conflict, Richard was assigned to various aircraft carriers and flew 299 carrier landings - 44 which were at night. His favorite carriers were the Coral Sea and the Leyte, and his favorite airplanes were the Corsair and the Sky Raider. During one mission, while patrolling the Mediterranean Sea, he had the opportunity to rescue an R.A.F. pilot and crew from a remote island near Greece. Richard was invited to the H.M.S. Eagle Carrier where he and his new friends celebrated with a bit of grog.
When his brother passed away, Richard resigned his active commission to return to his home state to attend Marquette University Law School and was a member of the Law Review. While at school, he also joined the Naval Air Reserves in Glenview, Illinois, and flew jets. In 1958, he graduated from law school and returned to his hometown of Green Bay to practice law. He served as an Assistant District Attorney for Brown County, later becoming Green Bay's City Attorney.
In 1967, Richard became eligible to practice law before the United States Supreme Court. He was appointed Circuit Court Judge for Brown, Kewaunee and Door Counties in 1977, and would spend more than 20 years on the bench. During his tenure, he heard many fascinating cases, including the first DNA case in the State of Wisconsin. Richard was a member of the Wisconsin Civil Jury Instruction Committee. His favorite duty as a judge though, was conducting wedding ceremonies. He made numerous house calls, as well as having couples come to the family home to be married.
Richard had many interests and hobbies. He enjoyed down hill skiing and took his family on many ski trips. He also loved traveling throughout the United States and abroad with the Greenwood family, especially taking European bicycle trips. He collected stamps and was an accomplished harmonica player. Richard loved telling tales and was so convincing that he had some people believing that he owned an island near Key West.
Throughout his life, Richard's strong Christian faith sustained him and during this final journey, the love of his family and friends comforted him. They were of the utmost importance to him. He will be sorely missed by many.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 16th, at St. Willebrord Catholic Church, 209 S. Adams St., from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Monday at the church with Rev. Andrew Cribben, O Praem. officiating and Rev. Paul Demuth concelebrating. Full Military Honors will conclude the services. Parking is available in the Cherry St. ramp. Burial will be in Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Proko-Wall Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences visit www.prokowall.com.
To honor Richard's memory, rather than sending flowers, please direct memorials to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation (www.usna.com) or the Greater Green Bay YMCA Camping Services Annual Scholarship Fund, 235 N. Jefferson St., Green Bay, WI 54301 or www.greenbayymca.org.
"Anchors Away and Happy Landings," My Boy.
Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from July 3 to July 15, 2018