He was born on June 21, 1932, in Union County, PA, and was the son of the late Reno E. and Agnes (Knauss) Stees.
Richard attended schools in Pennsylvania, graduating from Lewistown High School in 1950, and later obtained his bachelor's degree from Penn State University. He was an Electrical Engineering Consultant and worked for various consulting companies in the Washington, DC area. He retired in 1997.
He and his wife, Linda, moved from Vienna to Harrisonburg in 2005. He was a member of Muhlenberg Lutheran Church, the American Legion, and the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Community Band.
Richard also served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. One of his fondest memories was his round-the-world voyage on the USS Saipan.
On February 10, 1956, he married former Linda Margaret Bentsel, who preceded him in death on October 3, 2015. A sister, Dolores Quinn, also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his three children: Angela L. Halkias and husband, Telemachus (Telly), of Bennington, VT; Richard L. Stees, Jr. and wife, Diane, of Cocoa Beach, FL; and Kevin J. Stees and wife, Rhonda, of Harrisonburg; six grandchildren, Jason Halkias, Ryan Stees and wife, Mary, Brandon Stees, Dana Stees, Evan Stees, and Anna Stees; one great-granddaughter, Leah Stees; a brother, Galen Stees of Lewistown, PA; two sisters, Alice Knepp of Colorado Springs, CO, and Pamela Dean of Melbourne, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church with Pastor Lauren Eanes officiating. Burial will be in Woodbine Cemetery. There will be no visitation. A reception will be held at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church following the burial.
Memorial contributions may be made to Muhlenberg Lutheran Church, 281 East Market Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhomes.com.
