Grobschmidt, Richard Age 68, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2016. He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Barbara Grobschmidt; daughter, Tamara Grobschmidt; son-in-law, John German; granddaughter, Josie; father, Chester Grobschmidt; sister, Karen Southerlin (Bo); sister-in-law, Patti Kunkel; nephews Brian (Kelly) and Greg Orozco, Dustin (Jamie) and Ryan Kunkel; step-sisters and brothers of the Schweitzer Family, many special cousins and lifelong friends. Preceded in death by his mother, Leone Grobschmidt; step-mother, Lorraine (Schweitzer) Grobschmidt; and brother-in-law, Ronald Troyer. Rick Grobschmidt graduated from South Milwaukee Senior High School. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, he taught US History and Government at South Milwaukee Senior High School. He went on to complete his Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Rick was a lifelong community advocate for the City of South Milwaukee and surrounding communities. He successfully ran for the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1984 in a highly contested special election. Rick went on to serve in the Wisconsin State Senate. He was respected for his rare ability to work closely with members of both parties of the legislature. Following his passion for education issues, he then went on to work as the Assistant State Superintendent of Schools for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction where he focused on early childhood, technology and libraries. Rick lived his life in public service, always guided by his concern for others. Throughout both his work and personal life, he cultivated many lifelong friendships that were an important part of his life. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 29. Visitation at 8:30-11:00 AM, Mass at 11:00 AM at Divine Mercy, 800 Marquette Avenue, South Milwaukee, followed by burial at Forest Hill Memorial Park, Oak Creek In lieu of flowers, please honor Rick by making donations to "The Educational Charitable Fund in Memory of Richard Grobschmidt" for scholarships for students interested in community activism and public service, or The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation www.NETRF.org.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jul. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Grobschmidt

Sponsored by Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home.

11 Entries

Don Pienkos

July 19, 2024

Richard is unforgettable. I wrote about him in my letter to the Editor of a major scholarly journal, , The Polish Review. It appeared in Spring 2023. He made a difference!

Steve Sedlmayr

July 31, 2016

Rick was a great friend of public education and educators. He always kept "what's good for students" in his actions and advocacy. He will be missed.

July 29, 2016

On behalf of the J.W. Riley School (MPS) community, I would like to extend condolences to the entire Grobschmidt family. Through a staff member, Rick became a regular guest at our school and participated in numerous events not as a politician but as a community leader interested in public education. He interacted with staff and community members and most important, with our students. Classroom visits with students and their frequest trips to Madison were important lessons learned about how our democracy and its government works. Personally, his insight and coaching as to how best to access governmental leaders was an invaluable resource for me. Our school, its staff, children and parents had a real friend in Rick Grobschmidt and will be eternally greatful for his contributions.

James M. Novak
Principal
J. W. Riley School
Retired
Sun City West, Arizona

Tom & Mona Seney

July 29, 2016

We are very saddened to hear of Rick's passing. Rick was a soft-spoken person with a quick smile who always had the best of interests for the people. He was a "peoples person" and will be truly missed. We will keep Rick & your families in our prayers and thoughts.
Peace be with all of you!

Paula Dahlman

July 28, 2016

Deepest sympathy, he will be missed.

Karol Stark-Mattson

July 28, 2016

My condolences to Rick's wife daughter father and rest of family and friends. I had him as my teacher in 1973 and also as my neighbor on Mackinac Ave in South Milwaukee. I remember he was a great fun teacher and was always friendly and had a big Hi as my neighbor. My prayers are with the family,

Donald Pienkos

July 28, 2016

Rick was a wonderful person and a dedi-cated public servant. He made a real difference in the lives of those who had the good fortune to know him. Our deepest sympathies go to his family and many many friends. Angela and Don Pienkos

Phil and Mary Kay Windler

July 28, 2016

Rick was such a wonderful, caring man who was respected by so many people. We send our condolences to his family, Barb and Tammy as well as Chet and Karen. Rick has impacted so many lives with his generosity and kindness. This is certainly a meaningful legacy to be proud of.

Jim Niederloh

July 27, 2016

Jan and I are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We always enjoyed his pleasant presence and are ever thankful for knowing your family during our time in South Milwaukee. May the assurance of God's victory in Christ bring you comfort, knowing that beyond every darkness there is a new dawn in God's kingdom.
Jim and Jan Niederloh

Tom Knitter

July 27, 2016

On behalf of the St. Thomas More HS community I'd like to offer my condolences. I had the good fortune to meet Richard in my capacity as administrator of St. Thomas More. I remember him as a dedicated and caring individual who was always willing to listen and help support organizations in the community. I am sorry for your loss and will keep Richard and your entire family in my prayers. God bless.

Tom Knitter
Past President STM

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