Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rich,
You worked a shift for me one night and I never got the chance to pay you back. You were killed a short time later. I'll never forget that phone call I received at home in the early morning hours of April 5, 1998 from Sauk County dispatch. The dispatcher that called was crying and said you had been killed. I'll also never forget having to drive by the accident scene on the way up to Baraboo to meet with our fellow deputies. My heart has always gone out to the first arriving deputies, troopers, fire and EMS that responded to the scene.
I had the honor of being one of your FTO's. I had a lot of great trainees over the years and no offense to them, but you were the best. You were one hell of a cop.
Sorry it took me so long to write a reflection, I started many, many times, but wasn't quite sure what I wanted to say. We all miss you and have never forgotten you.
Back to that shift I owe you. I'll pay you back someday.

Sgt. Jon Hanson - Retired
Sauk County Sheriff's Office

April 21, 2022

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Weinke.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2021

It has 20 years. Rich was my High School class mate and College roommate. He has never left me. I have been in Law Enforcement for 22 years now and still proudly tell our rookies how great of a person he was. Miss you every day.

Mike Radsek
SPPD

March 10, 2018

This date is forever engrained in my memory. The world lost a great person, and through his death I was given the gift of knowing his family where his spirit and love live on. Thank you, Rich, for your service and sacrifice to our country through the USMC and the Sauk County SO. Thank you to his family for the wonderful memories over the years.

Mary VanHaute

April 5, 2017

My uncle will never be forgotten. He is my biggest, hero, influence, and reason to live on.

Richard Thompson
Nephew of Richard Allan Weinke

April 7, 2016

It's been many years since we played volleyball at backyard parties early in our careers. Never forgotten brother.

Detective Vaughn Johnson
Jefferson County Sheriff Wi

April 26, 2015

17 years my friend you have been gone. It truly left a hole in many of our lives but in your memory we continue to be strong and vigilant to make this world a better place. Never forgotten my friend!

Lt. Terry S.
Sauk Co. Sheriff

April 4, 2015

I met your father yesterday during a training program in Madison. He told me of your story. He also told me that he not only lost a son, but a colleague and his best friend. You could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice: he is proud of you.

My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I do know, after talking with your father, that neither you nor your sacrifice will never be forgotten; not by anyone that knows and loves you and not by anyone who currently serves, or who has served, in the uniform of a law enforcement officer.

Lt. John Bennett
Charleston, IL

March 21, 2015

I still think of you every time I drive through the spot that you left us. It still takes my breath away. All these years later. And I still laugh when I remember how mad you were when the Sgt at Huber threw tin foil balls under his desk to make sure you were sweeping! Miss you Rich.

Jan..former Deputy
Sauk County

February 26, 2015

Honoring Deputy Sheriff Richard Weinke's memory, and his life as another anniversary draws near. Thoughts are with the family, you are not alone, he is not forgotten. Nothing can ever take away a parents love their heart holds for their sons.

g. birkholz
mother of Officer Craig Birkholz, E.O.W. 3/20/11

March 26, 2014

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

March 5, 2014

I was sitting here this morning thinking of our son's together up there in heaven. Rich's EOW anniversary and Craig's birthday today. Can't help but think Rich was greeting Craig on 3/20/11 and discussing how to help the newly grieving family and decided to send his dad to help, since he'd know just what to do. Thank you Deputy Richard Weinke for your continued service.

G. Birkholz
mother of Officer Craig Birkholz, EOW 3/20/11

April 5, 2013

Rich the Green Bay Marines utilities platoon had a reunion this past weekend and I couldnt help but think of you and your sacrifice. You are NEVER forgotten. Thank you for your service and friendship, you are truely missed.

SSG James Graf

July 23, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, may you RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 27, 2012

We celebrated 20 years this weekend. Our class reunion wasn't the same without you. My life just isn't the same without you. I miss your smile. Such a warm and beautiful smile. I miss your laughter. You were the happiest person in my life. You could make me laugh at the blink of an eye. I miss your words of advice. You always gave me the best advice and no matter what decision I made, you stood by me every single time. I miss your arms. The way they would wrap around me so very tight just when I needed a hug the most. I miss your voice. The sound of your voice was the most soothing of any sound I knew. You comforted me, you welcomed me, you loved me. You were so unselfish, giving up all of your needs for me when I needed you. The day God took you home, God took a piece of me too. I know you wouldn't want me to cry, for you only wanted to see me happy. Some days just seem like it was yesterday and the pain starts all over again. Some days I smile because I remember the night we went to the lake and you promised me you were going to be just like your dad, a Sauk County Deputy. Your dreams came true and to this day you are my biggest source of strength and my most powerful hero. You are forever missed. I love you.


We’ll remember you with love today,
But this is nothing new.
You were remembered yesterday,
And the days before that too.
We’ll remember you in silence,
But often speak your name.
We’ll share so many memories,
But nothing’s quite the same.
Today we gather together,
Cherishing twenty years.
We’ll celebrate your beautiful life,
As we hold back thoughts of tears.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn’t go alone,
A part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.

The Class of '91

Kara D
Best of Friends

July 31, 2011

As I always do...I was thinking of you today and thought I would share some of my thoughts with you.....
There are a lot of days I can't stop thinking of your eyes and the sincerity they held in everything you did. When I'm feeling like my life is tumbling - I remember you and those eyes...the pride, the poise,and the dedication you gave to living your life with such honor. You will never know how much influence you have had on my life as I strive to live my life the way you did - with respect and with love for this crazy job. Miss and luv you more than you know kiddo. xoxoxoxoxoxoxxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo

Tiffani
SCSD - CoWorker and Friend

July 20, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 5, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 5, 2009

Thinking of all of you and the loss that you have experienced...they say time heals all wounds but this is a tough one.
Id like to share this poem with you.
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old name, speak to me the easy way you used to.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we shared together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be the household name that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is past, nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before only better.
We will all be one together with Christ.

Michele Frey
friend

March 30, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 2008

Today on the 10th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for you and those you left behind to mourn.
Rest in peace DS, you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

April 5, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 22, 2008

I used to bow hunt in the same area that Rich did in the Baraboo Bluffs in addition to working with him. We used to meet at our trucks after an afternoon of hunting and talk about the deer and other things we saw while in the woods. We also talked about other things, including the job. It was always something that I looked forward to. I haven't bow hunted since the year the Rich was killed but am finally thinking about starting again. I dont believe it's going to be easy, but maybe I will be able to find a way to do a little talking with him again while I'm sitting in my stand.....

Lake Delton PD

December 7, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

May 28, 2006

Rich you are so missed. I met you many times you were always one of the nices and most respectable officer I have ever know. You were your own man and never had a bad word to say about anyone your are an inspiration to all.
May God Bless you

Friend
FBIBAU

April 6, 2006