Obituary: Richard “Shorty” Plath

by Jim Dittmann
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Richard “Shorty” Plath, Father and Grandfather, age 76, passed away at his home on Monday, January 16, 2017.

“Shorty”, as he was commonly referred to, was born on June 6, 1940 at his family home in the village of Kingston. The son of Richard & Elsie (Lueck) Plath. He attended Kingston and Markesan schools then served two years as a private in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965, stationed in Germany, then later returned to receive his G.E.D.

He then took up occupancy in Ripon, where he worked at Ripon Foods and Speed Queen before returning to Kingston. On March 20,1971, he married Beverly (Hooper) and made Kingston their home. By day he was a carpenter, painter and overall “handy-man” for countless people around the area. By night he worked as the bar manager at The Kingston House for 42 years until he retired. 

Shorty was a long time member of Zion Lutheran Church, who had served on the church council, and was their church custodian for many years and was an active member of the American Legion Post 395 in Kingston. He was also a volunteer fireman, and served on the village board for many years.

Shorty will be especially remembered for the countless years as a bartender at The Kingston House, his love of music, his prized record collection, and his endless devotion to the Green Bay Packers.

Shorty is survived by his son, Richie (Margo) Plath; granddaughter, Greylyn; his ex-wife, Beverly Plath; sisters, Darlene “Beady” (Robert) Behling and Yvonne “Pee Wee” (James) Meilahn; brother, Russell “Bucky” (Betty) Plath; other relatives and friends.

Shorty was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jerome “Romie” and Morris “Mosie” Plath; sisters, Sandra “Susie” Doty, Patricia “Patsy” Haima, Bonnie Peterson and Leilani “Skelly” Koehn.

Special thanks to all of my Dad’s neighbors and friends who thought so much of my Dad and spent time with him. I know that it meant the world to him.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, 316 Vine St., Kingston from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Frank Rose will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com

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