Richard Etzel Obituary
Ricky "Bear" Etzel, 76 years old, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2024, at
his home in Tucson, AZ. Ricky was born in Milwaukee, WI on July 11, 1947,
to Jacob and Mabel Etzel.
He graduated from Menomonee Falls High School in 1965 and then resided
in Germantown, WI. until 1999. He and his brother,Ron,were proud owners
of Etzel's Country Inn for over 15 years; a successful family establishment for
over 30 years. His last 25 years of life, he was a resident of Saddlebrooke.
While residing here in Tucson, AZ he worked at Player's Pub for 17 years and
The Elks Lodge for the last 7 years. He was a superb host at heart both in his
life and his career as Bar Steward/Manager/Owner for almost sixty years.
Ricky is survived by the love of his life,his loving wife of 53 years, Maggie,
their two daughters: Bridgette (spouse-Juan Carlos Tomasini), Brenda
(husband-John Swain), and their beautiful granddaughter, Izabella Etzel.
He is also survived by his beloved 4 siblings, all of whom he was very close
to: fraternal twin brother, Ron Etzel (spouse-Sandi), and his 3 sisters: Ellie
Bialoszynski, Sue Meissner (spouse-Elwood), and Jean Neumann. As well as
many, dearly-loved nieces, nephews, their spouses and children and many
wonderful, beloved friends.
Ricky gave much of his time to helping others and took so much enjoyment
in doing so. He was a lover of life, travel, nature and embraced and loved all
people. He is/was, and always will be such a unique, special soul and will
be forever loved and missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Bill Evans
June 8, 2024
So sorry to hear about this passing. My condolences to all the family and especially my classmates Maggie and Ron who was my locker mate. I´ll always remember the reunion at Etzels when Rick did the Elvis imitation.
Dave Gross
June 6, 2024
Maggie and Family; Ron and Family, and all the Etzel Family and Friends. I just found out about the passing of Rick and am so very saddened by the news. Only one Rick; Bear; Bearsie! I grew up knowing Ricky because he was a classmate and friend of my two older brothers, John and Halzy. He was always so very kind to me as a kid and kind to my family, especially my parents, Lillian and Harold Gross. Then, as I got older, I too was so blessed to know Bear, especially on frequent trips to Etzels for fish fries extraordinaire! But of all my memories of Rick, none top the one year where he and Ron, along with other Falls boys, played basketball together in Germantown on a rec team. We had a great team and watched Ricky throw in 3's from all over, and we'd then head to Etzel's for food and a wicked game of crack and re-crack sheepshead. Sometimes until the wee hours of the early morning, during the week of course. To say we laughed endlessly is an understatement, especially when Ricky would pick on a flyer, and we'd crack and no-schneider him. Always the entertainer, when he would pick and win, we were at times witness to a famous back flip off the bar. This, the man, the friend, that we all loved so very much. On behalf of the entire Gross Family we send our love and sympathy and condolences, as you mourn, and celebrate, a life well-lived and loved. I can see Bearsie at a sheephead table in heaven, taking quarters from my Dad and Mom, and my brothers Johnnie and Halzy. Go easy on the Rick! Our love, thoughts, and prayers....Dave and Kerry Gross and family. RIP RickyBear
susan richards
June 5, 2024
Rick was the nicest guy who as a long-time neighbor was always willing to lend a hand. wish he was still here
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Ted Grosse
June 3, 2024
Bear was a friendly easy going man who loved Elvis so I hope he met Elvis in person. I will miss him and his antics .
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