Obituary of Richard J Geldernick

Richard J. “Dick” Geldernick

Age 68, of Chili, passed away on Monday, September 10, 2018 at his residence after a yearlong battle with cancer. With their love and support, his family was gathered around his bedside.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Marshfield. Rev. Douglas C. Robertson will officiate. Dick will be laid to rest in Saint Stephen’s Catholic Cemetery in Chili. Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday at the church in Marshfield from 8:30 AM until time of services. The honor of pallbearers belongs to Jeffrey Berres, Connor Berres, Kyle Berres, and Carter Gilhausen. His honorary pallbearers will be McKenzie Geldernick, Kylie Gilhausen, Wilder Geldernick, and Katie Seehafer.

Dick was born on March 19, 1950 in Marshfield, the son of Willard and Darleen (Curtin) Geldernick. He attended Marshfield Senior High and graduated in 1968. After first meeting at a dance hall Dick later married his best friend Karolyn Bell on July 8, 1972 and together they raised their four children. Dick and Karolyn owned and operated Central Septic Service out of Chili.  In the future, their eldest son Scott will be taking over the septic service business that Dick worked tirelessly to build and to provide good service to his customers.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Marshfield, the Chili Lion’s Club and Waste Haulers Association and a former member of Saint Stephen’s Catholic Church in Chili.

Being athletic and competitive, Dick loved playing softball especially 3rd base, being supportive and encouraging when attending his children’s sporting events and cheering them on, being compassionate and loving he enjoyed spending time with family making memories on their hunting land and being strong, hardworking and friendly to his customers and business associates.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Karolyn; his daughters, Tarra (Brian) Berres of Chili and Dawn (Ryan) Gilhausen of Onalaska; his sons, Scott (Jaime) Geldernick of Chili and Corey (Alyssa) Geldernick of Cross Plains; his grandchildren, McKenzie, Katie, Jeffrey, Connor, Kyle, Carter, Kylie, and Wilder; his brothers, Jerry (Shirley) Geldernick of Marshfield, Danny (Susie) Geldernick of Chili, Tim (Kathy) Geldernick of Chili; and his sisters, Jeanne (Mike) Bell of Marshfield, Terry (LeRoy) Bowe of Willard, and Shirley Schmitt of Chili.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Darleen; his sister Karen in infancy; and his brother-in-law Jim Schmitt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dick’s name are being accepted by his family to Marshfield Community Athletic Facility (New Stadium and Track) and Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Seth Fagbemi, the Marshfield Clinic Oncology Staff and to Ministry Home Care Hospice for the care and support provided to both Dick and his family.

His arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.