Richard Carl Wise

Richard Carl Wise, 87, passed peacefully on October 4, 2026. Rich was born on August 11, 1939, and lived in Portage County his entire life. He was raised in Suffield by his parents, Paul and Zoie Dale (Michael) Wise, and graduated from Suffield High School in 1958. Rich would fondly recall his adolescence as one surrounded by siblings and friends and filled with home-cooked meals. He enjoyed playing football and basketball throughout his teenage years and continued playing in various adult baseball, softball, and basketball leagues through his church as a young man. His love of athletics continued throughout his life and he frequently watched various sports teams both in person and on television.

He met his wife, Martha (Dill) Wise, as a teenager and was married to her for 59 wonderful years. They were members of Grace Baptist Church in Kent during their marriage, where they formed many lasting friendships. They raised their two children, Lee and Jill, in a beautiful home in Rootstown that Richard designed and built. Rich avidly supported his children’s interest in Arabian horses, taking them to horse shows throughout their childhood. Once his children were grown, Rich showed horses himself and was particularly proud of Dream on Dreamer, his horse that won 3 national championships. He was also a lifelong dog and cat lover, owning numerous pets throughout his life.

Richard spent his career in home construction, where he built and helped design family homes throughout Northeast Ohio. As a young man he attended trade school in Akron, where he received a certification of qualification as a carpenter. He further developed his carpentry skills alongside his father and brother, Ralph, working for the family business, Pauladale Construction. After his father’s retirement, he took over the company and operated it until his own retirement. Rich was an immensely talented carpenter, with a strong work ethic, great attention to detail, solid craftsmanship, and creative artistry. He was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, which was evident in the woodwork he did for his own family.

In addition to his carpentry work, Rich built and owned a family-run 40-stall horse stable for many years. After retiring, Rich spent thousands of hours meticulously carving wooden figurines and wall sculptures. He was entirely self-taught and particularly enjoyed carving horses, which were given to many family members and friends. After Martha’s passing, he married Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Sauner in 2022, with whom he happily spent his final years. Together they attended both Grace Baptist Church and Riverwood Chapel in Kent and frequently gathered with their families and numerous friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha; his parents; his beloved daughter, Jill Ross; his stepson John Sauner Jr; and his brothers, Ralph Wise and Curt (Jackie) Wise. He is survived by his wife, Betty Sauner; his daughter, Lee Ann (Michael) Tursi; his stepchildren Denise (Dale) Sloan and Debra (Larry) Bailey and in-law Chris Sauner; his grandchildren, Megan, Amanda, and Mary Tursi; 7 step-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren; his sister, Sharen Johnson; his son-in-law, Gary Ross; his sisters-in-law, Nancy Wise and Betty Woodlee; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Richard loved his family, his faith, his craft, and the animals who brought him joy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Calling hours for Rich will be held at Riverwood Chapel in Kent on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. A memorial service will begin at 11:30 am, immediately followed by a repast. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Riverwood Chapel food pantry. Those wishing to donate needed items may also do so through the pantry’s Amazon Wishlist.