Richard Victor
Koracin
MEMORIAL GATHERING & MASS
Thursday, November 20, 2025
at
St. James Catholic Church – Mukwonago
830 E . Veterans Way, Mukwonago, WI 53149
Memorial Gathering: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Memorial Mass: 12:00 Noon
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to one of the following organizations:
Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS)
701 Northview Road, Waukesha, WI 53188-6902
262-542-8851
Online donation link: Make a Difference — HAWS
Elmbrook Humane Society
20950 Enterprise Avenue, Brookfield, WI 53045-5224
262-783-9361
Online donation link: Donate Form – Elmbrook Humane Society
Wisconsin Humane Society
4500 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53208
414-264-6257
Online donation link: Wisconsin Humane Society
In Loving Memory of
Richard Victor Koracin
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Richard Victor Koracin of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, was called home to the Lord at age 86 on October 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, Brenda. Their love and marriage celebrated 63 years together on October 20, 2025. What started as a blind date when he was stationed with the U.S. Army in New Orleans blossomed into marriage and a life-long commitment to each other. They were each other’s true love and definitely the ying and yang couple.
His wit, steadfastness, love and boundless kindness and concern defined him. He loved life, the people in his life and everyone he met. He was a “people” person and made friends effortlessly.
Richard enjoyed his long career as a local and long-distance truck driver, seeing the country, meeting new people, and was extremely proud of his million plus miles of accident-free driving. His employer requested he coach, teach and mentor newly hired drivers. He loved instructing and many of those drivers are still with that company.
He was a proud and loyal member of Teamsters Local 200 for many years. After retirement, he served on the Board of the Teamsters Local 200/344 Retirees Chapter, assisted with the planning of annual events and actively got involved in fighting for and preserving the Teamsters’ pension fund. He enjoyed the monthly get-togethers with the Chapter members for their lively and spirited card games and lunch.
Richard’s love for all animals was deep and life-long. He and Brenda adopted many beloved rescued Miniature Schnauzers and he was the best “fur baby” dad ever. Though shelter visits often broke his heart, he provided generous financial support to animal shelters and rescue groups. He was a strong supporter of legislation to stop animal abuse, dog fighting, animal research, stronger regulations for breeders and the closing of breeder operations indiscriminately overbreeding. He wasn’t a hunter and provided food for the wildlife at their home.
Richard was an enthusiast and proud owner of many Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and recently celebrated his 40-year membership in the Harley Owners Group (HOG). He and Brenda shared many adventures on their Harley’s – riding in HD Corporate Events, Capitol Drive Events, charity rides, and National Rallies such as Daytona Bike Week and Sturgis.
He was especially honored to be part of the 95th Anniversary Ride from York, Pennsylvania, to Milwaukee serving as the official driver of the Anniversary van carrying some of the MDA auction items, supplies, parts and personal items for the executives leading the ride. He had many friends at the Motor Company and was proud to be a member of the “Harley-Davidson family”.
During Daytona Bike Week and the HD/Sturgis Rally, he actively assisted and was part of the team selling the “Willie G.” commemorative t-shirts. Richard and Brenda together worked tirelessly over the years to support many fundraising events and causes – particularly Junior Achievement and the Muscular Dystrophy Association; i.e., the Labor Day MDA Telethons at Channel 6, Sturgis MDA auctions, Daytona Bike Week MDA auctions and the 85th, 90th and 95th Anniversary MDA auctions on the Summerfest grounds.
He loved being outdoors and enjoyed Summerfest, Wisconsin State Fair, local county fairs, numerous festivals, flea markets and the Milwaukee Circus Parade. One year he and Brenda were the honor guards for Bo Black (riding in a HD Sidecar) for the Annual “City of Festivals” Parade. They attended the very first Brewers Game at the newly built Miller Park. He was an avid fan of the Bucks, Admirals, Brewers and the Green Bay Packers and attended many of their games.
His love of music spanned every genre, and attended many concerts for favorite artists including Celine Dione, Bette Midler, Rod Stewart, Paul McCarthney, Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Travis Tritt and many more and even met of few of them.
Richard loved flying planes, but never continued with his lessons. He loved playing his accordion and was extremely mechanical and could repair anything. He had many interests and hobbies and enjoyed the many picnics at Devil’s Lake State Park which included swimming and hiking the trails with the family Schnauzers.
His favorite season was Christmas when he spent five festive weeks in New Orleans with family, visiting friends, going to favorite restaurants with family and friends, strolling and antiquing in the French Quarter, enjoying Café Du Monde Coffee and Beignets, listening to the street musicians, going to Cathedral Square to sing Christmas Carols, and revisiting many favorite places. He delighted in treating Brenda’s grandmother to her yearly oyster sandwich and a bottle of Jax beer.
Richard was a much-loved and respected resident for 2 plus years at Franciscan Place in Brookfield. He made many friends there because of his outgoing personality, love of life and joy he spread every day. He loved sharing jokes, stories about the family Schnauzers, stories from his trucking days, and highlights from times spent at numerous Harley-Davidson events. He encouraged the residents to engage in the activities, socialize, and participate in everything. And, as a result, he was blessed with a much-loved extended family. He will be greatly missed by everyone there who knew and loved him.
A 47-year resident of Mukwonago and a faithful member of St. James Parish, Richard was a very humble, loyal, funny and kind man – a man you could depend on in any situation. He always remembered special calendar dates and special occasions with flowers and a gift. He never bragged about his many accomplishments and interests, and was thankful for the life he had and lived.
Richard and Brenda were best friends, confidants and the perfect blend of personalities. They had a very loving, happy, strong, joyous and fulfilling life together and his passing has left a hole in her heart that will never be filled.
Special Thanks to the Staff at Franciscan Place who cared for him with love, respect, compassion and a sincere determination to keep him happy and healthy – especially Marilyn, April, Steve and Ashley. Thanks to Liz, Athena, Monica, Lenard, Dave, Abby, Winnie, Barbara, Janet, the Wait Staff and the four caring and supportive receptionists.
Special Thanks to Dr. Case and the Medical Staff at Elmbrook Hospital: Richard could not have received better care than you provided for the last days of his life. The care, support and honesty you provided was so very much appreciated God bless all of you and keep you in his care. Thanks to Katherine with St. Croix Hospice.
Survived By:
Loving & Devoted Wife of 63 Years – Brenda
Beloved Family Members:
Carol Bender, Dennis Dillard, Carol Dillard, Pamela (Dan) Quicker, Jackie Walkowiak, Joe Walkowiak (Morgan Kramlich), Jesse Walkowiak, Donald (Kelly) Dillard, Sharon (Koracin) Sigl, Sandra (Frank) Hennis, John (Wendy) Koracin, Geri (Jeffrey) Picard, Janet Brufach, Mini Benson, Joan Dillard, Laura Dusold, Linda Sader, Debby (Tony) Fluder, Jay (Mary Jane) Ergen, Marjorie (Dennis) Michalski
Extended Family & Friends at Franciscan Place in Brookfield:
Renee Becht, Jennifer Reuter, Kayla Minshall, Margaret Nueman, Richard Jerczak, Karen Martin, LeeAnn Kuhtz, Margie Seidner, Mike Gilbert
Further survived by countless and beloved family and friends – especially Teamsters Local 200.
Note: This obituary is the property of Heritage Funeral Homes and is published here with permission from the family. If you are viewing it on any website other than www.heritagefuneral.com, please be aware it has been copied without consent and may not reflect the most accurate or complete information.
My deepest condolences to Brenda on the loss of her beloved Richard. Memory Eternal
Thoughts and prayers for Richard, Brenda and family.
Brenda,
The love you guys shared is so sweet. I’m happy to have known both of you and to have been able to witness the love you shared! Thank you for choosing us to care for Richard and you when you needed it. I’ll keep you close in my thoughts but closer in my prayers. Love you Brenda and the whole Koracin family! Please don’t be a stranger, and if you ever need a ride, let me know! Love you!
Brenda,
I met Richard (and the gang) at Franciscan Place about a year ago. I was fortunate to know him for over 3 months and found him to be a very caring and giving person.who would share anything with everyone. He always had a story to tell or something to make us laugh. He was always willing to share his sunshine with me by the window. I’m so glad to have met both of you. I know you’ll keep him with you in your heart. I pray God gives you comfort in this difficult time.
Larry Abbott