Richard W. Fitzpatrick

Together again. Richard “Dick” W. Fitzpatrick, 90, of La Crosse, WI passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020, at Bethany-St. Joseph Care Center. Dick is do-si-do-ing with Pat, the love of his life and partner for 61 years.

He was born March 22, 1930 in La Crosse, WI to John and Esther (Hill) Fitzpatrick. Dick married Patricia “Pat” Lepsch on September 29, 1951, in La Crosse.

Dick graduated in 1948 from Central High School, La Crosse and enlisted in the Navy in 1949 and served 3 years, two on the submarine, U.S.S. Cubera, as a fireman in the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion, Roy L. Vingers, Post #52. After his service, Dick worked at Trane Company 41 years.

Dick was a member of First Presbyterian Church in La Crosse for almost 50 years, then joined St. Thomas More Catholic Church (now Mary, Mother of the Church Parish) to celebrate his faith with Pat.  Dick was a Eucharistic Minister and member of the New Life Funeral Choir. He volunteered at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center for close to 12 years. BINGO was a favorite activity as well as entertaining the residents by singing with the Variety Singers. Dick square danced with the Happy Twirlers and was a caller for the Pistols ‘n’ Petticoats, Gingham Squares, Sweetheart Swingers and RKD Promenaders. Dick was a huge fan of the CBA Catbirds basketball team and a regular with the McDonald's coffee group.

He is survived by his 7 children, Shari (Bruce) Potter of Owego, NY, Beckysue Fitzpatrick of Tomah, Larry (Deana) Fitzpatrick of La Crosse, Debbie (Jim) Kroner of Onalaska, Judy (Bill) Rathjen of Kouts, IN, Diane (Barry) Reynolds of Sheboygan, Amy (Paul) Ervin of Black River Falls; 21 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren, 1 brother, Don (Jan) Fitzpatrick, several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and his dog, Teddy. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat; one brother John “Butch” Fitzpatrick; 6 brothers-in-law; 2 sisters-in-law and a grandson.

Special thanks to the staff at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center for their wonderful care and becoming our extended family for over 7 years.

A private funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 16th by invitation only. The Rev. Brian Konopa will officiate. Due to the Coronavirus restrictions friends and relatives are encouraged to watch the livestream of the service at 1:00 pm, www.mmoclacrosse.org and use the YouTube link.  Memorials are preferred to Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, 2501 Shelby Rd, La Crosse, WI 54601 or Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, 2006 Weston St., La Crosse, WI 54601. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.