Richard A. Litzenberg

Richard Alan “Dick” Litzenberg, 81, of Centerburg, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, at his home on the family farm, surrounded by the family he dearly loved.

Richard was born on December 30, 1944, in Columbus, Ohio, to Harry and Mary (Oiler) Litzenberg. He grew up on the family farm in Milford Township and graduated from Centerburg High School in 1962. From an early age, farming was not simply a way of life for Richard—it was a passion that remained at the heart of his life and legacy.

Richard retired after 25 years of service with Rolls-Royce, formerly Cooper Energy Systems, while continuing to farm full-time throughout his working years. He and his family raised registered Ayrshire cattle on their dairy farm, proudly exhibiting their cattle at county, state, and national shows. Litzenberg Ayrshires earned numerous awards at all levels, bringing great pride to Richard and his family. Richard was also a DeKalb seed dealer for many years.

Richard was equally devoted to serving the community he called home. He served as a Milford Township Trustee for 44 years and as a Knox County Deputy Auditor for seven years. He was a past president of the Knox County Trustees and Clerks Association and served on the Central Ohio Joint Fire District Board. He was actively involved in numerous community organizations and agricultural groups.

For 20 years, Richard served as a 4-H advisor and for 29 years welcomed Centerburg kindergarten students to the farm for their annual field trips. He hosted the Heart of Ohio Tour on the farm three times over three decades and served on the Ohio Ayrshire Breeders Board of Directors and the Knox County Dairy Service Unit Board of Directors. The Litzenberg Farm became a place where young people and agriculturalists could learn, connect, and share their love of farming. Richard and his family hosted numerous OSU and Knox County youth dairy events, Ohio Ayrshire events, and international visitors. In 2006, Richard and his family were honored with the Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club Luke Biggs Award as Knox County Farm Family of the Year.

Richard was a dedicated supporter of the Centerburg Oldtime Farming Festival and was honored to serve as the festival’s Grand Marshal in 2023. He looked forward to exhibiting his Allis Chalmers tractors each year and enjoyed sharing his passion for antique farm equipment. Tractor restoration was a hobby he especially enjoyed with his son, and the two spent many hours restoring equipment and traveling to tractor shows throughout the Midwest. Richard was a member of the Buckeye Allis Club and the Kokosing Valley Antique Tractor Club.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Marilyn (Mickley), whom he married on March 25, 1972; his children, Lori (Rodney) Houck, Lisa (Jason) Wilson, and Richard (Jessica) Litzenberg Jr.; and his grandchildren, Tyler Houck, Levi Houck, Colston Wilson, Sara Wilson, Harper Litzenberg, and Rhett Litzenberg. He is also survived by his brother, Nelson (Judy) Litzenberg; sisters-in-law Karen McLaughlin and Linda Montgomery, several nieces and nephews; and his beloved canine companion, Reddi.

Richard leaves behind a lasting legacy of love for his family, his farm, and his community. Even in his retirement years, it was not uncommon to find him on a tractor in the field, working alongside his son. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren grow up on the family farm and seeing the fifth and sixth generations of the family become part of the farm’s story.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 13, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. and Friday, August 14, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Milford Church of Christ, 3648 Johnstown Rd, Centerburg. Funeral service officiated by Roger Crego will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with burial to follow at Moreland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Centerburg Oldtime Farming Festival, PO Box 668, Centerburg, OH 43011 or the Central Ohio Joint Fire District, 5138 Columbus Rd, Centerburg, OH 43011.