SAYING GOODBYE TO A TEMPE SISTER CITIES LEGEND – MR RICHARD “DICK” NEUHEISEL 1936 ~ 2025
Richard (Dick) Neuheisel, one of the founders of Tempe Sister Cities, passed away on March 27th, 2025.
Dick was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in 1936. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and its College of
Law. He served as Captain, Judge Advocate Corps, US Army, until 1965. He taught law classes at Arizona State University
for 16 years, opened his own law firm, and was on the Tempe City Council from 1968 to 1972.
Dick served as President of Tempe Sister Cities for nearly 50 years. His vision for citizen diplomacy through cultural
exchanges and international events has impacted students, educators, and professionals since 1973, when Tempe Sister
Cities had their first exchange with Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia (Yugoslavia at that time).
Having a Sister City in a communist country was a bold, daring and not well received idea, especially during a time of political unrest. Dick saw the international benefits in going to Yugoslavia to promote citizen diplomacy – and what better
way than to have student delegates be our diplomats to share ideas and cultural exchange. His idea continued as Tempe Sister
Cities grew adding 10 more sister cities over the next 45 years.
In 2005, Dick and Jane, his wife of 66 years, were honored with the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award. They also co-founded
Tempe Oktoberfest, now called Four Peaks Oktoberfest, which is Tempe Sister Cities largest fundraiser.
Dick, along with the other founders, created, cultivated and navigated an organization that has touched many lives. The
members of Tempe Sister Cities will continue the work that Dick passionately started almost 55 years ago, and ensure that future students, educators and professionals know of his legacy.
Though many know Dick from his work in the Sister Cities organization at municipal, state and national levels, more
importantly, he was a friend and supporter of so many people in Tempe and around the world.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Neuheisel family.
