Richard D. Cole

Richard D. Cole, age 62, proud owner of Brandt Jewelers, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at his residence. Richard had an incredible will to live, courageously battling cancer and the many challenges that came with his treatments.

He was born on March 6, 1963, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of the late Dale and Marion (Kosidowski) Cole. In September 2008, he met his life partner, Sandra L. Modrow, with whom he shared 17 years of love and companionship.

At just 17 years old, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1986. From a young age, he was drawn to the jewelry industry through his family and discovered a natural talent for the craft. After attending trade school, he became a skilled goldsmith, beginning his career by doing gold work for various jewelry stores. He was later employed as a goldsmith at Sunburst Jewelers and eventually became the owner of Brandt Jewelers in downtown Racine.

Richard was extremely proud of his full-service fine jewelry store—and with good reason. A self-made man, he was highly skilled in his profession and jokingly known as “the mayor of downtown.” We’d be willing to bet he did half the city’s watch batteries! Due to declining health, Richard made the difficult decision to close Brandt Jewelers on December 24, 2024, marking the end of a long and successful career.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Brittney (Marco) Morrone, and her sons, Randy Kroeger Jr. and Kayden Morrone. He also leaves behind his devoted fiancée, Sandi, her children Austin and Emily Modrow, and grandson Brayden Modrow, all of whom he loved deeply and treated as his own.

He is further survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Sharon Cole; Sandi’s brother and sister-in-law, David and Patty Brekke; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. Even the family cat, Rosie, misses him terribly, she made it clear who her favorite was.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by Sandi’s parents, Floyd and Donna Brekke.

Funeral services celebrating Richard’s life will be held at 5:00 pm, Thursday September 25, 2025, at the funeral home. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Thursday, for Visitation Thursday, 3:00 until time of service at the funeral home.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane and Dr. Syed Hassan for their compassionate care. A special thank you also goes to Richard’s best friend, Allen Beth, who was always “on his way” whenever Richard called. To Frank Zitka, Richard appreciated everything you did for him, even when you grumbled. And to Brayden, Papa is so proud of the helpful, kind, and loving person you are, never forget that!