Richard John Hottmann, age 76, of Arena, passed away suddenly and peacefully at home in his favorite recliner of an apparent heart attack on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Richard was born on February 15, 1935, and was the only child of Janette (Harrop) and John Hottmann. He lived on the family farm his entire life and graduated from Arena High School, where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Wisconsin--Madison Farm Short Course and served in the Army. On February 13, 1960, he married the former Claribel Knutson, and together they farmed and raised three daughters. Richard took tremendous pride in establishing Sunny Creek Registered Holsteins and bred many cows that went on to be classified “Excellent,” including Sunny Creek Aggie Tempo, a top finisher at several state, district and county shows and a memorable entry at the World Dairy Expo. He was also an avid Packer, Brewer and Badger fan and enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events and Arena Home Talent.  Richard is survived by his wife Claire, his daughters and sons-in-law, Patti Hottmann-Rindy and Stu Rindy, Laurie and Dennis Statz and Suzi and Scott Schmidt, grandsons Shane (friend Alyssa Jax) and Alex Statz, granddaughters Carissa and Ciara Rindy, Aunt June Harrop and cousins in the Harrop, Olson, Cowling and Westland families. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 1:30 P.M.  at the Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home in Spring Green.  Pastor William Wineke will officiate  with burial in the Arena Cemetery where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Arena VFW Post #9336.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 1, from 4 to 8 pm and again on Thursday from 12:30 P.M. until the time of service.