Richard H. Gruetzmacher

Dick (Gritz) Gruetzmacher was born March 18, 1953, in Oshkosh to parents, Herbert and Genevieve (Gurath) Gruetzmacher.  On July 18, 1981, he married Lois Munson in Mondovi, WI. They shared 42 years together, blessed with two children and two grandchildren.  Dick died March 11, 2024, at home surrounded by the love of his family.

Dick was a talented journeyman painter. He worked for Omni Paint and Glass and for many years for the Oshkosh Area School District. He always had a painting or home improvement project going either for himself or for a family member or a friend. He had a great sense of humor, once telling Lois that her knitting projects may yield one sweater but when he paints he gets two coats!  Although a painter by trade, he could fix, make or improve just about anything.  His artistic flair was also expressed in sketching and watercolor painting.  He had a passion for collecting and repairing Lionel trains and each Christmas he loved creating a beautiful Christmas village train layout- to his grandchildren’s delight.  He was an avid mountain biker and rode several times in the Chequamegon Fat Tire races. A day spent hunting in the woods was never a waste of time for him.

As the ultimate “do it yourself-er”, Dick wrote the following before his death:

“Hello to all my dear family and friends. If you haven’t heard, I am on my way to a better place.  My heavenly reward will be an awesome journey unmatched by any experience I have had.  Like so many good folks, my health took a nosedive.  The haymaker, the knockout punch- whatever you want to call it- leaves you with quite a shiner!  This came after an uphill battle with prostate cancer over many years.  Still, I have no regrets.  I found the sweet spot in life for me was growing with my wonderful family.  Indeed, my faith in God is front and center and enhances all in my life.   I am survived by my loving and caring wife, Lois, who stuck with me every step of the way; my daughter, Lindsey (Shawn) McGuire and grandchildren Abigail and Evan McGuire; my son, Adam (Lindsay) Gruetzmacher; my sister, Marilyn (David) Frank; brother-in-law Mat Munson; nieces, Amanda, Amy and Kimberly and their families as well as many cousins and friends.  I’ve made many friends who have given me so much happiness!  An amazing and very special friend to Lois and I, Susie Clark, has been our guardian angel.  Susie has given her unconditional support and love throughout our friendship; always having an optimistic view of the future and never looking back! Also, I would like to thank Pastor Dean Desilet for his spiritual support and friendship and the many health care workers at the VLCC Cancer Center in Oshkosh, the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center in Madison and Aurora At Home Hospice.  Without their dedication and work ethic my journey would have been unbearable!  The many ladies and gentlemen who have kept me going on their prayer lists have touched me in a very profound way.  I truly want my funeral to be a celebration of life.  My hope is for you to help me in doing so and please remember me in your prayers.  In lieu of flowers, please give to the American Cancer Society.”

A memorial service and celebration of Dick’s life will be held at noon on March 23, 2024, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 1072 Honey Creek Rd., Oshkosh, WI.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 am until the time of service.

Dick died quietly and peacefully, the same way he lived his life. The world has lost a kind and gentle soul who will remain in our hearts forever.