Richard Nelson Bueltemann, 75, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Oct. 28, 1939, in Cape Girardeau, to Nelson and Marie Middleton Bueltemann.

He and Rose Marie Erzfeld Bueltemann were married April 4, 1964, in Apple Creek, Missouri. They just celebrated their 50-year anniversary in April.

He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau.

The Bueltemann family immigrated to Cape Girardeau in 1850. Richard was a construction inspector for 30 years, including the Missouri State Highway Department on the initial construction of Interstate 55. He also worked for the city of Cape Girardeau Engineering Department, was a bus driver for SADI as well as Southeast Missouri State University, was a truck driver for Elfrink Transportation and was a dispatcher for McDonald Concrete. Richard was a two-time veteran of the U.S. Navy, earning two Bronze Stars and two honorable discharges, 20 years apart. He was a Naval Reserve Seabee. He was a member of VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau serving as adujant, senior vice commander and commander. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus third degree.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Marie Bueltemann of Cape Girardeau; daughters, Sharla (Keith) Tanner of Cape Girardeau, Cheryl (Markus) Mueller of Jackson and Shannel (Michael) Duby of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren, Sarah Tanner, Shayla Tanner and Aaron Mueller; brother, Gary (Mary Ann) Bueltemann of Columbia, Illinois; and nephews, David and Kevin Bueltemann both of Columbia.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers will be conducted at 7 p.m. followed by Knights of Columbus 1111 service and VFW services.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau, with the Revs. Allan Saunders and William Hennecke officiating.

Burial will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, after an escort by the Legion Riders and military rites by the Missouri Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary School or Notre Dame Regional High School athletic programs.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.