Richard "Dick" Lee Veleke

Richard “Dick” (Newt) L. Veleke, 78, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 22 after a long and courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

Dick was born on September 30, 1947, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, to Milton and Lois (Vande Zande) Veleke. In 1953, the family moved to Chippewa Falls and later settled in Eau Claire, where Dick made his lifetime home. He graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School in 1965 and attended UW–Eau Claire before proudly serving in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1972. After completing his service, he earned his degree in Business from UW–Stout.

In 1967, Dick married Alice McEachern, and the couple welcomed their daughter Holly, in 1968. Although they later divorced, the two remained close friends throughout their lives. Their continued friendship reflected Dick’s dedication and the deep respect he held for family.

Dick built a successful career spanning more than 30 years in the financial services industry as a financial advisor and stockbroker, concluding his professional journey with Securities America. Even in retirement Dick continued to keep up with the daily financial markets, trades, and investment news.

Dick found joy on the golf course, riding his motorcycle, and around tables filled with friends and family. A devoted Badger, Brewer and Packer fan, he was an enthusiastic sports-watcher and sports-talker. He was a loyal friend to many and a familiar face throughout the community, especially through his involvement in Kiwanis, his volunteering at Blugold basketball games, and his many mornings spent at the Senior Center, where he shared his wit and friendly conversation.

Golf was one of Dick’s lifelong passions. Friends and family often joked that he could recall every shot he ever took, even the ones he wished he could forget. He loved working on puzzles in the morning and was an avid reader. Even though he was always willing to try new places, he somehow managed to have the worst luck at restaurants, which became a long-standing family joke.

Travel was another source of enjoyment throughout his life. He especially loved trips to Las Vegas during March Madness, golf outings in Arizona, and warm getaways to Jamaica.

Above all, Dick cherished his family. He took great joy in watching his grandchildren, Alyssa and Brendan, pursue their interests and was immensely proud that both chose to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Some of his happiest moments took place at his daughter’s cabin, where he spent many days watching the kids swim, play, and simply enjoy being together.

Although much of his retirement was marked by health challenges, Dick faced them with courage and determination. After receiving his diagnosis with IPF, he selflessly enrolled in a study at UW Health in Madison. His regular trips there became treasured time with his daughter Holly, creating opportunities for long conversations, shared laughter, and frequent visits with his grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Holly (Veleke) Dooley, and her husband Christopher Dooley; his granddaughter Alyssa Dooley and her husband Jose Martinez; his grandson Brendan Dooley; his sister‑in‑law Janet Veleke; his brother‑in‑law Don Eberlein; his nephews Jeff (Trish) and Ryan (Kerri) Veleke; his former wife and lifelong friend, Alice (McEachern) Veleke and many cousins, great-nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Lois Veleke; his brother, Ronald Veleke; his sister, Marcia Eberlein; his nephew David (Heidi) Veleke; and his beloved cat, Phoenix (who in many ways, probably understood Dick’s sense of humor better than most).

A memorial service for Richard will take place at 11 am on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Chapel Heights United Methodist Church, 300 E Hamilton Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Rev. Dr. Won Namkoong officiating. A luncheon at the church will immediately follow the service.   Memorial visitation will take place at the church on that day from 10 am until the time of service. Inurnment with military honors will take place at a later date in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Dick’s honor. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate teams at UW Health and Marshfield Clinic for their dedicated care.

Dick will be remembered for his loyalty, honesty, sincerity, strength, humility and sense of humor, all qualities that made him a beloved friend, father, and grandfather.  He leaves behind a legacy of steadiness, empathy, kindness and pride in those he loved most.  He will be missed dearly.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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