"Bona Fritsch and love ones Im with you praying God give you the peace and comfort everyone needs in this hard time."
In loving memory of
Richard Fritsch
November 20, 1937 - January 4, 2023
Richard Allen Fritsch, of Antigo, died on January 4, 2023 at Copperleaf Assisted Living in Schofield. He was 85 years old. He was born on November 20, 1937 in Lily, Wisconsin, a son of Elmer and Lucille (Mikkelson) Fritsch. He married Bona Purdy on September 14, 1957 in Antigo.
Richard was a tire technician for over 40 years, working at Southside Tire and Pomps Tire Service both in Antigo. Over the years he has done a lot of home remodeling. He enjoyed camping and renting a cottage during the summer months. He was a member of Faith United Church of Christ in Antigo. His greatest joy was spending time with his family especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In his younger years, he enjoyed fast cars and snowmobiling. Richard will be remembered for his sense of humor and that he was a hard worker, always ready to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed attending Music in the Park. He was a force larger than life who lived to help others and provide for his family. Nothing in life was more dear to him.
Survivors include his wife and soul mate of 65 years, Bona; four children, Cheryl (William) Vehrs of Wausau, Randy (Dianne) Fritsch of Antigo, Ricky (Nancy) Fritsch of Antigo and Cindy (Terry) Brittenham of Deerbrook; six grandchildren, Jenny (Bruce) Honzik, Jake Thorbahn (Jillian McCarthy), Dori Howard, RyAnn (Ryan) Filbrandt, Tiffany Fritsch, Gabby Fritsch; ten great-grandchildren, Hunter Honzik (Gabby Held), Trapper Honzik, Nate Howard (Sadie Burkhart), Kaelee Howard, Brandi Howard (Austin Rekow), Nick Howard, Luella Filbrandt, Knolan Rhode, Dawson Norwood, and Waylon Richard Fritsch; two great-great-grandchildren, Sunny and Daisy; two sisters, Margaret (Pete) Rolin and Arlene Brown; two sisters-in-law, Norma Fritsch and Wanda Fritsch; and two brothers-in-law, Ken "Pug" (Dora) Purdy and Gary (Stephen) Purdy. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Donald Fritsch, Robert (Connie) Fritsch, and Duane Fritsch; two sisters, Carol (Fred) Vander Kooi and Lila (Norman) Dickman; father and mother-in-law, Ken and Ruby Purdy and a sister-in-law, Nancy (Dallas) Lewis.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Elmwood Cemetery in Antigo. There will be a luncheon held following the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.
Tributes
"Bona,Fritsch Family and In laws May God give you strenght you need to get through this difficult time."
"We offer our heartfelt condolences to Dick's Family and Friends. He was sure a good guy."
"I would like to send my condolence to Bonny and her family. Always considered Dick one of my best friends, even thou i haven't seen him for years, Bob."
"Randy, Dianne and all the Fritsch Family you are loved and cherished. Holding you close in our thoughts and prayers. Jim & Leah "
"I am so sorry to hear of this loss. I have many memories at Dick and Bona's house as a young kid. Prayers for his family and friends."
"Prayers to the family! Dick will be sadly missed by all us lucky enough to know him! God Bless you all during this very sad time!"
"A once in a lifetime father, grandfather, husband, and friend. Loved by so many. Words cannot describe how much this man has impacted our lives. The most gentle, kind, funny, smart, honest, dependable, resilient, brave, hard-working person I have ever known. May you rest easy with all those who had gone before, talking up a storm and making them all laugh. I will join you again someday, my amazing grandpa. "