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Richard (Dick) E. Bannier, 86, of Dozier, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Pace, Florida.

Born April 3, 1937 in West Allis, Wisconsin, Richard was the eldest son of James and Florence (Taubel) Bannier.

He attended grade school and middle school in the Milwaukee area. He lost his mother at the age of 13 and went to live with his maternal grandparents in Sheboygan Falls. He graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School in 1955. He was a part of the Rod & Gun Club, loved art and anything to do with cars. Cars were his life.

He married Janice A. Jantvold March 25, 1955, and together, they had four children: Deborah (Steve) Knoener, Scott (Mary) Bannier, Rene’ (Marc) Apps and Sheryl (Steve) Holzwart.

Dick had many different jobs and businesses throughout his life. Not all mentioned here. He worked for the Sheboygan Paint Company as a paint tinter and foreman before starting the union, American Chair, Wood-Lam Inc., and owned the Lil’ Flower Tavern and ABC Auto Sales in Haven, Wisconsin. He moved to Alabama in 1980 and ran the Hoffbrau Restaurant and Lounge in Elberta, along with Richards Used Cars out of Dozier in his later years. He was an awesome trim carpenter, auto mechanic and was considered a home flipper in the late 60s and early 70s before flipping was known as it is today.

Richard married Gloria Faye (Wells/Gartman) Bannier, Oct. 20, 1990, and welcomed Faye’s children, Jeff Gartman and Brandy (Wells) Preston into his life. They were married for 31 years.

Dick loved everyone and was the best at telling a good joke. He will be remembered for musical talents with his ukulele, harmonica, and stump fiddle. As always, wanted to be sure he “hugged your neck” and gave you a kiss before leaving.

Sadly, Dick is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, along with his wife Faye, his brother Joe Bannier, and stepson Jeff Gartman.

He leaves behind his children and stepchildren, his stepbrothers: Jimmy, Bobby, and Danny Bannier, along with his beloved sister, Jeanene Saletta. She has been his caregiver for the past two and a half years, along with her children and grandchildren. A huge thanks to “Nene” for loving her brothers so much and caring for them in their final days.

The love of his life were his grandchildren: Christopher Wells, Rae Ann Gartman, Craig (Lana) Knoener, Shannon (Mike) Wynveen, Jeremy Bannier, Kimberly (Adam) Roethel, Jake (Jess) Holzwart, Janae (Alex) Jacob and Tyler (Deanna) Apps, along with his eleven great-grandchildren.

Dick was an anatomical donor to the University of Southern Alabama-Mobile. Final resting will be with Faye at Enon (Alabama) and Sheboygan Falls (Wisconsin) cemeteries. If you would like to donate in his memory, please do so via the Alzheimer’s Association. Forever in our hearts! Love you and miss you so much!