website watertownhistory.org

ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin

Richard Minning

1923 – 2008

Died 01 23 2008

Richard “Dick” G. Minning was born on May 12, 1923, the son of Richard and Leonora (Schwefel) Minning. On Aug. 6, 1960, he married the former Barbara Podolske in Menominee, Mich.

Rich was a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison and had master's degrees from the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Wisconsin. He was employed by the State of Wisconsin in the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Rich was a veteran of World War II, a sergeant in The Flying Tigers of the 14th Air Force “China Hands,” serving primarily in China.

Rich was one of the original founders and board members of the Watertown Arts Council. He was a former president of the Watertown Conservation Club, and was very proud of the Tree Distribution Program which resulted in the planting of almost 15,000 trees in the Watertown area. He was an original member of the Rock River Coalition, and also served as a 4th of July Parade judge for about 25 years. Rich was a nine-year president of the Streetscape Project, starting in the fall of 1991, with the primary goal being to improve downtown beautification. His efforts resulted in a bridge being named after him.