Richard J. Elst, age 64, of Antigo, died peacefully on February 22, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born on January 13, 1960, a son of Lester and Marjorie (Bordeau) Elst.

He was a graduate of White Lake High School, class of 1978. In 1980 he received his Associate's Degree in watch-making from the Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Rick spent several years in Alaska working on a fishing trawler "The Saga Sea". He was presented the opportunity to realize his dream of taking over the family business which his father started. He returned to Antigo and owned and operated House of Diamonds until his retirement.

In retirement he was able to spend time doing the things he loved, hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with his daughter and grandchildren.

Survivors include his daughter, Katherine Laajala of Weston; three grandchildren, Jasmine, Zachary, and Valerie; his fiancée, Candy Spurgeon of Antigo; four brothers, Paul Elst of St. Cloud, MN, Thomas (Deborah) Elst of Antigo, Jeffery (Diane ) Elst of Kenosha, and James (Linda) Elst of Oconomowoc; sister-in-law, Colleen Elst of Antigo; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Maisonneuve; and two brothers, Frederick and Jerome.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 9, at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church in Antigo.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church in Hoffmann Hall.

Richard will be laid to rest at a later date at St. James Catholic Cemetery in White Lake.

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