Richard G. Calvert

Richard 'Dick' G. Calvert, 82, of Oostburg, Renaissance man, keeper-of-the-woods, Master Cabinetmaker, and fixer-of-all-things, slept away peacefully in his workshop recliner on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023, following a lengthy illness. It was a Godsend that his spirit was finally released from his worn-out body, fitting to have happened on Earth Day.

Dick was born at home on September 23rd, 1940, weighing in at a healthy 11lbs 7oz, to the late Catherine [née Boncher] and David Calvert of Sheboygan, WI.

He attended both Oostburg and Sheboygan schools, taking a hiatus to join the workforce early. He later received his GED from Oostburg High School in 1968, and unbeknownst to his kids, earned two years of college credits in the process.

After a stint working the Stokdyk fishing boats in Oostburg, Dick learned to build cabinets at the Eggebeen Cabinet shop. He later joined Quasius Construction and eventually opened his own business, Calvert Cabinet & Construction Co., in 1969. He enjoyed and missed the time spent on the job sight with the crew, and he made many lasting friendships with his many customers. He was self-employed up until health reasons forced retirement in 2000.

On November 6, 1961, he married, Ann Marie Hester, an outgoing city girl he met while she was visiting mutual friends that vacationed on the shore of Lake Michigan. He later built their forever home, east of Oostburg, on land surrounded by Christmas trees he and his friend and mentor, Skee TeRonde, planted together. There, he and Ann raised their three children. He spent countless hours in the woods and in his at-home workshop, often recruiting his family to hold, hoist, and retrieve.

Dick was a wealth of knowledge, always reading in the evening hours. His kids were continually amazed at what he retained, whether it was about engines, native Wisconsin wildlife, or anything having to do with home construction. If he needed a tool that didn’t exist, he’d invent it. He passed on his inquisitiveness to his family by promoting the use of the dictionary, encyclopedia, and gifting nature guidebooks. One of his biggest regrets was not being physically able to assist his kids with their home renovation projects.

He was a perfectionist and known for his incredible work ethic, meticulous craft, and high-quality workmanship. Outside of work, there never seemed to be much spare time, but there was a day when he enjoyed horseback riding, motorcycles, pheasant hunting, boating, and fishing.

He excelled at living within his means, maintaining his home and property, recycling before it was fashionable, doing things right the first time, dunking cookies in coffee, never losing a game of “competitive pains,” delivering sarcastic and witty comments, carving wooden gnomes and Santas in his later years, and, much to his wife’s dismay, taking in any stray animal that wandered into the yard.

He will be remembered for his deep love for his pets, fancy penmanship, being the go-to when you needed mechanical advice, strong sense of humility, refusal to use a computer, full acceptance of others–with the exception of the pompous, immense stubborn streak, strong opinions, and quiet generosity. He also had a genuine ability to make people feel at home. It never mattered how many years had passed, if you showed up, you were received warmly with a gentle ribbing, and could pick up right where you left off, most likely sitting around the dining room table once again.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife, Ann; his children, Catherine “Tassie” Calvert of Sheboygan, Guy (Serena) Calvert of Waldo, and Christine (Kevin) Formolo of Sheboygan; grandchildren, Nicholas (Sasha) Calvert, Ena Formolo, and Eleni Formolo; siblings, Denis Calvert, Jim Calvert, Jeff Schwarz, Judy Calvert, and Mary Cay Taylor.

As he truly didn’t want any fuss, there will be no funeral service. Instead, the family invites you to gather for a casual celebration of this great man’s underrated life with apple pie and ice cream, two of his favorites. Join them from 3-6 pm, Thursday, May 11th at Wenig’s Funeral Home in Oostburg. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Dick’s name to Paws Up Pet Rescue: PO Box 185, Sheboygan, WI 53082-0185.