Dick Reetz

R. Richard (Dick) Reetz, age 89 of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Edgewater Haven Nursing Home where he lived for the past four years.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home Wisconsin Rapids. Pastor Timothy Ritter will officiate. Entombment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation for relatives and friends will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services on Thursday at the funeral home.

Dick was born on February 1, 1935 in Oshkosh, WI at Mercy Hospital, to William and Doraine (Mulberry) Reetz. Dick graduated from Winneconne High School in 1953. While in high school he enjoyed football and baseball, playing trombone and was the prom king. After high school, he continued with softball, started working with his father, and learned the plumbing trade. He received his Journeyman Plumber in May 1958 and then got his Master Plumber designation in 1968. He went on to work for the State of Wisconsin as the plumbing inspector for just under 30 years from which he retired. Over the years he loved working in his rose garden and provided many beautiful bouquets for family and friends. He also loved spending time with his wife Betty at the lake cottage and with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Over the years he provided pontoon rides, polka music on Sundays after church and campfires. He also did woodworking and crafts together with Betty. He and Betty traveled and enjoyed Hawaii and other locations over the years.

They also love Schnauzer Fritz, Mollie and Maggie. While living in the nursing home he always ensured staff were given "Milky Way" candy bars. He loved candy making and would make multiple kinds including English Toffee, divinity, fudge, caramels, peanut clusters and hard candy by the pounds.

On May 24, 1958, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Berlin, WI, he married Betty (Spangler) and together they had a loving home and family. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage until her death on May 27, 2022.

He is survived by two sons: Gregory and Richard (Scott) (Diane) Reetz; three grandchildren: Joshua (Heather) Reetz, Ann (Mike) Burger and Tabitha Reetz; seven great-grandchildren: Kennedy Delp, Kyleigh Reetz, Rylee Reetz, Lily Reetz, Rayden Reetz, Ashton Burger and Reyna Burger. He is also survived by "extra" family, Eben (Lacey) Peck, Elyxa and Mattyx, and Amy Eswein.

He is further survived by sisters-in-law: Judy Reetz, Mary Jane Spangler, Kathy (Lee) Wegner; brothers-in-law: Dave (Pat) Spangler, Dennis (Millie) Behm and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, siblings: Daniel Reetz, Jerry Reetz and Joanne Behm, brother-in-law Donald Spangler, and “extra grandchild Dexten Peck".

The family would like to thank Edgewater Haven Nursing Home for the years of excellent care. They would also like to thank Aspirus Hospice, Riverview ER/ICU, and Kay, NP from palliative care. The family also thanks Herman-Taylor Funeral Home for their assistance with arrangements.