Richard "Rick" Schermerhorn

Richard G. “Rick” Schermerhorn, 67, of La Crosse, passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2017, while hiking in the bluffs around La Crosse.

He was born in La Crosse on September 25, 1949, to Gordon and May (Roden) Schermerhorn. He attended La Crosse schools and was a 1967 graduate of La Crosse Central High School. On June 17, 1978, Rick married Nancy Blenka in La Crosse .

Rick enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard after graduation from high school. After his discharge from the service, he obtained an associate degree from W.W.T.C. He then worked for the City of La Crosse for over 30 years until his retirement in 2010. During his tenure with the City of La Crosse, Rick maintained the pools for many years during the summer months, and then drove the Zamboni at the Green Island Ice Arena in the winter.

In his free time, Rick enjoyed fishing and hunting when he was younger. He was also an avid Packer, Badger and NASCAR fan. In retirement, hiking and biking became favorite activities. Rick’s greatest joy, however, was spending time with family, especially with his grandsons, William and Nathan , and his “grandpuppy”, Ranger .

Rick is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughters, Kelly (Mark) Mathy and their sons, William and Nathan, of Bemidji, Minn., and Sara Schermerhorn of La Crosse; his sisters, Nancy (Gar) Amunson and Sherry Schermerhorn, both of La Crosse; a nephew, Patrick Amunson and great nephew, Tauren; Nancy’s family (his in-laws!) and many lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Eric G. Schermerhorn; his parents and his brother, Mark Schermerhorn.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, September 17 ^th , at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse. Rev. Scott Skogen will officiate. Burial will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery at a later date. Family and friends may call from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the funeral home. A reception will follow the memorial service at the Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 So. 6 ^th St., La Crosse. Memorials may be given in Rick’s memory to the charitable organization of the donor’s choice.