Richard Leo Patzlsberger

Richard “Dick” Leo Patzlsberger, 84, died peacefully on December 7, 2010 at Beaver Dam Community Hospital. He was born May 22, 1926 in South Beaver Dam to Leo and Ethel (Hammer) Patzlsberger. He attended Beaver Dam High school and graduated in 1944.

Dick met the love of his life, Doris Mae Slinger (Tiffany) in 1956, telling her, “stick with me kid, I”ll get you home.” They were married May 18, 1957 at St. Patrick”s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam, and he instantly became “Dad” to four children. Throughout the years they added four more children to their large and loving family.

Dick served in the Korean Conflict as first sergeant in the 45th Infantry A Company and was a lifetime member of VFW Post #9510 in Randolph. He worked at Stokely”s in South Beaver Dam and spent more than 20 years at Busse Brothers in Randolph until a stroke forced his retirement in 1992.

He loved to tinker, garden and camp. Dick also enjoyed traveling to auctions and flea markets, collecting military objects, Budweiser memorabilia and items that reflected his Bavarian heritage. Despite the limitations from his stroke, he went on several cruises with his family and enjoyed life to the fullest. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, “Papa” was always up for playing games or sharing a laugh. Even though he is gone, he will always be the heart of this family.

Though his smile is gone forever,
And his hand we cannot touch,
We have so many memories
Of the one we love so much,
His memory is our keepsake,
With which we will never part,
God has him in His keeping
And we have him in our hearts.

Dick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Doris, 6 children: Darlyn (Harold) DeYoung, Randolph; Doreen (James) Bos, Waupun; Richard L. Patzlsberger II, Waupun; Patti (Guy) Alvin, Beaver Dam; Michael (Rhonda) Patzlsberger, Germantown; and Jon (Laura) Patzlsberger, Randolph; 20 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; one sister, Arlene (Robert) Bock, Galva, IL,

He is preceded in death by his parents and sons Dale and Dean Slinger. The family is holding a private memorial. Burial will be at the Cambria cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family will honor Dick”s wishes by donating memorials to local organizations that have enriched his life through the last several years.

Some Dads are loved
Because they”re kind
And thoughtful day by day.
While some are loved
Because they have
An understanding way.
Then some deserve a special thanks
For all the things they”ve done.
But Dads like you are very few
You”re all these in one.
You have a special place
Within our hearts
That no one else can fill.
We need you and we love you,
And you know we always will.

The Murray Funeral Home, 131 E. Maple Ave in Beaver Dam, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.