Richard J. Huelsbeck

Richard “Dick” J. Huelsbeck, age 91 of Appleton, passed away May 1, 2018 at his residence. Dick was born in Menasha, WI on October 22, 1926, to the late Ida (Porsche) and Arthur Huelsbeck. He was raised on his family farm where he worked hard on chores, built his first greenhouse, and helped his mom cook for the family. Dick graduated from St. Mary’s Menasha High School and later served during World War II in Okinawa, Japan as a Navy Seabee. When he came home, Dick met and later married the love of his life, Phyllis Flanagan, on May 20, 1950, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Appleton. They became parishioners there, with Dick serving many years as an usher and a member of the Building and Grounds Committee. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus and a long-time member of the Knight’s bowling league. In addition, Dick was active in scouting and a recipient of the St. George Award in Catholic Scouting. Dick was employed at the Appleton Wireworks, Morning Glory Dairy and part-time at Gary’s Flowerland before his retirement. He greatly enjoyed playing sheepshead and was always ready for a game. Dick was a skilled woodworker and was renowned for his greenhouse, flower beds and gardens. He lovingly offered his green thumbs and deep knowledge to many school children, church, friends and family. A devoted son, sibling, husband, father and grandfather, Dick was greatly loved and will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughter, Julie (Karl Gieszl), Arizona; sons, David (Barbara Schmieden), Washington State, Paul (Darlene), Hortonville, Mark (Paula), Kaukauna, Tom (Karin), Washington State and Phil (Linda), Eau Claire; 9 grandchildren, Ben (Aly), Ethan, Aubrey (Keith) Rabideau, Claire (fiancé Josh Weber), Quinn, Owen, Sophia, Chloe and Ryan; great- granddaughter, Awnya Rabideau; brothers, Leo (Isabel), Menasha, John (Ruth), Georgia; sisters, Mary Diestler, Kaukauna and Kathryn Huelsbeck, Appleton; sisters-in-law, Arlene, Oshkosh, Edna, Menasha and Donna Flanagan, Arizona; and former daughter-in-law Julie Riehl. Many dear nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond, James and Gilbert; sisters-in-law, Delphene Huelsbeck, Bernice Huelsbeck, Eulail (Bob) Byrne, Mary Pearl (Bill) Cycmanick and Dolores (Sam) Cook; brothers-in-law, Floyd (Valerie) Flanagan, Jim Flanagan and Donald (Dot) Flanagan; and niece Dianne Hoffman. Visitation for Dick will be held at Wichmann Funeral Home, TRI-COUNTY CHAPEL, 1592 ONEIDA ST., MENASHA, WI on Sunday, May 6, 2018 from 5:00-8:00 PM with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM. His funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Therese Catholic Church, 213 E. WISCONSIN AVE., APPLETON, WI by Rev. Ryan Starks on Monday, May 7, 11:00 AM. Friends may call at the church 1 hr. prior to mass. Interment will be at St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery, Freedom, WI. The family extends their deep gratitude to the wonderful team at Ascension Hospice for the incredible care and support of Dick and the entire family.