Obit: Hediger, Richard Allen
“Rick” (1955 - 2022)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Hediger, Bush, Ehlers, Schoengarth, Tarbert, Michaud
----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/26/2022
Hediger, Richard Allen “Rick” (17 April 1955 – 25 August 2022) With Flag
Richard “Rick” Allen Hediger passed away on August 25, 2022, at Monroe SSM
Hospital surrounding by his brother and nieces from Illinois, after battling
what his doctors referred to as “The Perfect Storm.”
Rick was born in Neillsville, WI, on April 17, 1955, to Fredrick “Fritz” and
Dixie (Bush) Hediger. After he attended Neillsville High School, he joined the
National Guard and served six years. He then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He
later moved to Freeport, Illinois and eventually moved to Ridott, Illinois with
his nieces. Rick had worked for Modern Plating in Freeport for 29 years, 1 month
and 5 days.
Rick was blessed with a large and loving family who adored him. Rick was a very
independent man but would do anything for anyone. He loved his job and the
people he worked with Modern Plating. They were more than coworkers; they were
his family as well. Even until the end, he was adamant he was going back to work
as soon as he was better.
Rick was a very caring son, brother, uncle and friend. He would always call mom
during the week, with his famous, “You wanna hear this one?” He loved to talk
about how well (or not so well) the Brewers, Packers and Badgers played. He was
a “straight-shooter” and you knew exactly how he felt about things. As the
oldest of seven children, he was always the best big brother anyone could have.
He was a protector, a listener, a best friend; quiet and true, always was
genuine and forgiving. He could also be “smooth” and a flirt and was the best
homemade pizza maker.
Rick loved mom’s fudge and brownies and enjoyed taking random drives in his
“Jeep.” For many years he was an avid dirt track racing fan, taking many trips
in the RV with his brothers. He spent many years attending Chicagoland Speedway,
including a special trip with the Hediger boys, and his dad. For many years,
Rick and his family enjoyed trips to Cedar Lake Speedway, where they would play
cards, golf and bet on heat cars. He always made sure he came “up north” to
attend the Hediger 4th of July camping.
Although he didn’t have children of his own, he acted like a father/grandfather
to many nieces/nephews, including great-nieces and nephews. He was known for
always being willing to make that last minute run for whatever and usually came
back with much more, including Rice Krispie bars. Even though he lived in
northern Illinois, he would always follow his nieces and nephews “up north”
sports games, getting mad when the games weren’t live-streamed. Rick battled
quite a few illnesses the past several years and remained determined to still
work and spend time with family.
Rick is survived by his parents, Fritz and Dixie Hediger, Larry (Bev) Hediger,
Randy (Theresa) Hediger, Ronnie (Eileen) Hediger, Becky (Kevin) Ehlers, David
(Stephanie) Hediger and Tina (Alan) Schoengarth. He is preceded in death by his
grandparents, Herman and Hanna Hediger and Wayne and Marian Bush. He was also
survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, who all loved him
dearly. He is also preceded in death by his niece, Lindsay Hediger, and
great-nephew Landen Tarbert.
Visitation and Memorial will be held at the Gesche Funeral Home on Friday,
September 9, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m.
officiated by Rev. Greg Michaud. The burial will be at the Neillsville Cemetery
following the service. A gathering will be held after the burial at the American
Legion in Neillsville. A livestream of the Memorial Service and Committal Rites
can be viewed at www.geschefh.com beginning at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September
9, 2022.
Online Condolences may be made at
www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Rick’s family
with funeral arrangements.
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