Richard William Trende, a devoted servant to the community of Hudson, to his faith, and to his family, passed away on July 8, 2024, in Hudson, WI. He was born on March 24, 1949, in Preston, MN, to parents Fredrick and Arlene Trende and graduated from Silver Bay High School. He went on to attend Southwest Minnesota State College where he received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. His athleticism was demonstrated throughout high school and college, instilling a lifelong love for sports. He was also a fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Wild, and Twins.
Dick married Charlotte Nelson on July 1, 1972, and together were blessed with three children, Bethany, Andrea, and Scott. Dick began his law enforcement service as a City of Hudson, WI, Patrol Officer in 1972. Dick was promoted to Hudson’s first Juvenile/ Detective Sergeant in 1989; a position he held until his promotion to Chief of Police in September 1993. After serving the City of Hudson for 34 years, Dick retired in May 2006. Not quite ready to leave the law enforcement community, he continued his mission of safety and service to the University of Wisconsin – River Falls as their Chief of Police.
For his service in the Law Enforcement community, Dick received several awards, including 1990 State of Wisconsin, Office of the Attorney General, Officer of the Year. In 1993, Dick was also selected to attend the FBI National Academy (University of Virginia) Quantico, VA.
Beyond his professional career, Dick was an avid fisherman and hunter, sharing this interest with his family and like-minded friends. He also loved to read about the histories of the American Civil War and World War II. In addition, Dick generously volunteered his time with various community organizations, including Hudson Community Action, the St. Croix County Jail Ministry program, and refereeing high school football games. He was so proud to participate with his children in their many sports and school activities.
Dick lived out his faith as a member of Bethel Lutheran Church for 52 years supporting the life of the church as a worship volunteer, council member, providing Loaves and Fishes meals and many other servant experiences. Some of Dick’s most treasured moments were his twice-a-month Men’s Bible Study fellowship group at Key’s restaurant; sharing friendship, faith, life stories, jokes and, of course, breakfast.
Dick also kept his long-time police department friendships having coffee together, reminiscing and story-telling.
As a loving and caring husband, father and (especially) grandfather, Dick will remain in the hearts of his wife Char; children Bethany (Kyle) Trende-Steffen, Andrea (Korey) Werk, and Scott (Lauren) Trende; grandchildren Kayla and Emmet Murphy, Brayden, Keagan, and McKynlee Werk, and Ryker Trende; as well as his extended Trende and Nelson families.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents and sister Diane Jonland.
The memorial services to honor Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church – Highlands Campus in Hudson, WI, at 11:00 a.m. His visitation will be held Friday, July 19, 2024, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, WI, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., as well as one hour prior to the service at Bethel Lutheran. Memorials are preferred to the immediate family to help support organizations in Dick’s memory.
