Richard “Dick” Hentschel, age 77, of Fennimore passed away surrounded by his beloved family on Friday morning Nov. 16, 2018 at Hospice Touch Serenity House in Tomah. He was born on March 24, 1941 in Chicago, IL the son of Richard and Marguerite (Mommsen) Hentschel.
After graduating from Lane Tech High School, Dick received his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Carthage College in Carthage, IL. He furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee where he received his Master’s degree in Educational Administration. Dick was employed in the Janesville and Beloit, WI area serving as Principal at Glen Oaks School for special needs children, then as Director of Special Education for CESA #17. He moved to La Crosse, WI where he became the Director of Special Education for CESA #11. Dick moved to Fennimore, WI in February 1979 became the Director of Special Education for CESA #14. He was united in marriage to Suzanne Knudsen on Sept. 29, 1979 at the Castle Rock Lutheran Church. Dick retired from CESA #3 in 1991.
Dick loved spending time “up north” at his property on Loon Lake in Barnes, WI. He thoroughly enjoyed his summers for the past 31 years at his cabin with his family and friends. He and Sue also enjoyed traveling south for the winters, vintage cars, garage saling, and collecting antiques. Dick has accumulated one of the largest travel decal collections. He was a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, the Metropolitan Owners Club of North America (MOCNA), the Met Set of Wisconsin and the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America. Dick’s great memory for details, sense of humor, quick wit, and his deep love for his family, especially his grandchildren, will be cherished forever.
Dick is survived by his wife Sue of Fennimore, four children; Kyle husband Jeff Jump of Necedah, WI, Kim husband Brad Brown of Shawano, WI, Kellie husband Brian Reitzel of Holmen, WI, Richard “Brad” wife Kristin Hentschel of Chippewa Falls, WI, nine grandchildren; Tyler and Brett Jump, Parker and Connor Brown, Jillian, Annabel and Tessa Reitzel, Shelby and Richard “Ethan” Hentschel and great granddaughter Madeline Brown, two sisters; Jeanne husband Richard Snyder of Wauwatosa, and Diane (Ken Kubiak) Schlunz of Cudahy, WI.
Memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday Nov. 27, 2018 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church in Fennimore. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 P.M. on Monday Nov. 26, 2018 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at the church on Tuesday morning. In lieu of plants and flowers a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Richard “Dick” Hentschel.