Richard Christopher Tranel, age 98, of Monroe passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at SSM Health Hospital.  He was born on August 4, 1924 the son of Edward and Lucille (Kiefer) Tranel in East Dubuque, Illinois.  Richard married MaDonna Frommelt on October 10, 1953 at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque, Iowa. 

Richard was a farmer in East Dubuque and Monroe his whole life.  He was also a police officer for 18 years in East Dubuque.  Richard was a member of St. Victor’s Church and served on the Parish Council, was also a lector and usher for many years.  He was an advocate for the Apostolate to the Handicap.  He was also a member of Knights of Columbus, Farm Bureau, and a 4-H member.  Richard loved participating in rodeos from bronc to bull riding. His great-grandchildren always said he was "cowboy tough". Gardening was his pride and joy, especially his strawberries and raspberries. He was an avid euchre player and good luck trying to beat him at a game of checkers. His family was the center of his life and he loved to tease and joke around with anyone and everyone. 

Richard is survived by his daughters, Sandra (Birge) Braun of Browntown, Michelle (Frank) Johnson of Sterling, IL, Tammy Tranel of Monroe, Jacqueline (Richard) Wyss of Monroe, Angele Tranel of Monroe; son, Roch (Kat) Tranel of Libertyville, IL; 9 grandchildren, Jeremy, Cody, and Tyler Braun, Mark and Matthew Johnson, Stewart Wyss, Kyle Tranel, and Alec and Jenna Tranel; 10 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters, Sister Jean Tranel and Margaret Jahn. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, MaDonna; 7 brothers; and 3 sisters.

Per Richard’s wishes a Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Clare of Assisi Parish at St. Victor Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.  Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.

The family wishes to thank Richard’s caregivers, Kim Lewis and Ede Engelbretson, for making it possible to remain at home.