Richard Otto Cantu Sr., age 96, passed on peacefully September 10, 2026 in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. He was born January 21, 1930 in Saginaw, Michigan, eldest son of Alfred Cantu and Mae Ruth Daniels.

After graduating high school, Richard served in the US Army Reserve and Army, including in Korea.  Upon his return, he and his beloved wife, Olive, began raising 4 children and later moved to Menomonee Falls, WI.

While attending college classes, he was trained as an IBM forerunner in early computer programming technology, among the first available to African Americans in the early 1960’s. This achievement set the example for his children that education, opportunity, and strong ethics can break barriers. He put these skills to work at General Electric, Honeywell, Benchmark Criminal Justice Systems, and even H&R Block.

Richard was deeply spiritual and expressed his faith in God as an accomplished, sought-after church choral singer and soloist, a volunteer driver for homebound individuals, a genealogist helping others find their roots. He also spent countless hours sharing his love of tennis with his children and friends.

Richard is survived by his children Leo Cantu, Matthew Cantu, (Sabrina), Sarah Spotts, (James), his brother Christopher Makel, his adored grandchildren Richard III, Beau, Asja, Jacob, Paul, and Naomi, his great grandchildren Sampson Jr., Ace, and baby Azalea, (soon-to-be joining us in Nov), as well as daughter-in-law Annette Davenport Cantu.

Richard is preceded in death by his life-long love & wife Olive, and their cherished son, Richard Cantu Jr.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Richard’s beloved church: Unity Lutheran Church – Christ The King.

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