Dr. James J. Tydrich

Dr. James J. Tydrich, 88, of Grafton, WI passed away December 31, 2024 at home with his family at his side following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 24, 1936 in Richland Center, Wisconsin, the son of James F. and Anna K. (Slama) Tydrich.

Jim grew up on a farm in Bloom City, Wisconsin where he developed his work ethic and love of caring for others. He graduated from Richland Center High School, where he participated in many activities, and most importantly, where he met Marilyn Edwards. They dated from their sophomore year and were married for 63 years from 1958 until her death in 2021.

Following high school, Jim attended St. Mary's University in Winona, Minnesota. After a year, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he achieved both his undergraduate and doctoral degrees.

Dr. Tydrich returned to Richland Center following his medical training and joined the Edwards Clinic, owned by his father-in-law. In 1967, the clinic merged to create the Richland Medical Center, where Jim continued a distinguished career. During his time in Richland Center, Dr. Tydrich served as president of the Medical Center for 15 years. While at the Medical Center he pioneered the region's first Nurse Practitioner program through the University of Wisconsin. He also served on numerous boards of directors including the Wisconsin State Medical Society, Richland Hospital and Pine Valley Manor. He was also instrumental in the founding of the HMO of Wisconsin, one of the nation's first rural based HMOs, as a member of the initial board of directors. Dr. Tydrich cared deeply for each of his many patients. Among his numerous accomplishments, he delivered more than one thousand babies during his time in Richland Center.

Dr. Tydrich left Richland Center for Janesville in 1992 where he worked in Urgent Care, then helped to open an Urgent Care clinic in Delevan, Wisconsin five years later where he worked until his retirement.

Jim is survived by his son, Brian, and daughter-in- law, Lupe Montes of Madison, Wisconsin, his daughter, Melanie Tydrich and son-in-law, Stephen Paul of Port Washington, Wisconsin. He is also survived by his brother, Ray (Rose) Tydrich and sister-in-law, Diane Tydrich. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn. He was also preceded in death by his parents James F. Tydrich and Anna K. Tydrich, his sister, Mary Ann Krajco and brothers Dennis and Edward Tydrich and brother-in-law, Louis Krajco.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Richland Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Pratt Memorial Chapel. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. prattfuneralservice.com