Richard Joseph Wissel, affectionately known to family and friends as "Dick"-and lovingly called "The Dickster" by his children-passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at the age of 80.

Dick was born on April 9, 1946, in Batesville, Indiana, to Joseph and Ruth Wissel. At a young age, his family moved to Richmond, Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life and built a legacy centered on family, hard work, faith, and loyalty.

A 1964 graduate of Richmond High School, Dick excelled as a standout athlete in both basketball and baseball. His talent on the baseball diamond led to an extraordinary opportunity when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies at just 18 years old. He spent the next 12 years in professional baseball before a career-ending injury brought him home. His love for the game never faded, and throughout his life he enjoyed sharing stories of his baseball days and reliving those cherished memories with family and friends.

While still in the early years of his baseball career, Dick married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Katha Ann Pisarcik. Their love story began in high school, where Katha was crowned Homecoming Queen, and together they built a marriage that spanned over six decades. During those years, they welcomed three sons and later expanded their family with a daughter and another son, creating a family that became Dick's greatest source of pride.

Following his baseball career, Dick began working as a driver for UPS, where his strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment to providing for his family earned him the respect of coworkers and friends alike. He retired in 2006 after many years of dedicated service.

More than anything else, Dick loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who believed in showing love through hard work, protection, and unwavering support. He was honest to a fault, never hesitating to tell you exactly what he thought-even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear. His "tough love" approach came from a place of deep care, and those who knew him best understood that behind his straightforward nature was a man with an enormous heart and fierce devotion to the people he loved.

Dick treasured his children's sporting events and activities, and later the accomplishments of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He kept a close circle of lifelong friends and valued those relationships deeply. A faithful member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, he was also proud to have served in the Army National Guard and remained a steadfast supporter of veterans throughout his life.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ruth Wissel, and two infant sisters. Also special friend of the family, Nina Young, and baseball teammate/good friend, Larry Cox.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Katha Wissel; his children, Tom Wissel (Tabatha), Daniel Wissel (Etta Spignese), Greg Wissel (Jill), and Anne Wissel (Chris Pritchett), Ben Wissel (Elizabeth), 21 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, all of whom were the joy of his life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Richmond, Indiana, with Father Joe Kramer officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend. Burial will immediately follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. In accordance with Dick's wishes, there will be no public visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Birthright of Richmond, 303 S. 6th Street, Richmond, IN 47374, or to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, organizations that reflected causes close to Dick's heart.

Dick's greatest legacy will not be found in baseball statistics or years of service, but in the family he loved so fiercely, the values he instilled, and the countless memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated by all who knew and loved him.