Richard E. Schlicht

Richard Earl Schlicht, age 91 of La Crosse passed away on Dec 13, 2021, at Bethany Riverside Care Center. He was born on September 3, 1930, to Herman and Edna (Scheck) Schlicht. Richard grew up on the family farm in Chaseburg where his love of the outdoors and gardening began. In 1950 he joined the Army and served in the Korean War. He was a member of the 7th Division of the 32nd Infantry and received a Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, a Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and a Purple Heart. After the war he returned to La Crosse where he worked at Heileman Brewing Company and later Trane Company. He married Beverley Walsh in 1960. Richard was an avid fisherman spending many happy hours in his boat or ice shanty. He loved taking his kids and grandkids fishing and caught a trophy German brown trout when he was 89 with his granddaughter Katie. He never missed opening trout season and he and his grandson Greg went together for over 35 years. Richard had an incredibly green thumb, and his garden flourished every year. He happily shared fruits and vegetables with his family, friends and neighbors or turned his harvest into wine. He was a skilled winemaker and made hundreds of gallons over the years which he was also happy to share (and drink). Richard retired from Trane Company in 1992 after 41 years and enjoyed traveling the country with Beverley until her death in 1998. He also loved spending time with his family, especially Euchre tournaments. He last played Euchre with his grandkids Lane, Vin and Silas on Thanksgiving and won every game, finishing with a loner hand. Richard is survived by his children, Mary (William) Johnson of Rockland, Meg (Joseph) Buchner of Ferryville; five grandchildren, Greg (Julie) Johnson of Hillsboro, Katie (Elijah) Kennedy of West Jordan, Utah, Lane, Vincent, and Silas Buchner; two beloved great-granddaughters, Lila and Macy Johnson; one sister; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Beverley; his parents; one brother and two sisters. A private, family memorial service will be held at a later date.