Dr. Richard L. "Dick" Tulip

1943 - 2017

Richard L. "Dick" Tulip left this earth to hear his maker say, "Well done, good and faithful servant," on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Born May 16, 1943 to Harold and Bernice (Dandeneau) Tulip, he was Valedictorian of his high school class, and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, obtaining a degree in Zoology followed by dental school at Marquette University, where he met his wife-to-be, Ann, on a blind date. They married on August 19, 1967, and celebrated almost 50 years of wedded bliss. Dick was a graduate of the Pankey Institute of Higher Dental Education.

After serving two years in the Army stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, the couple moved to Oshkosh where they started a successful dental practice. Dick was quite involved in his community, holding memberships with the Power Boat Club, Kiwanis, Tri-County Dental, Dental Study Club, and Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity. He also was a member of the Winnebago Dental Association, where he was President of all offices, and the Fond du Lac Yacht Club. Dick was very involved with his church, First United Methodist, where he held positions on Finance, Trustee, Fellowship, Stewardship, and SPRC boards, and previously was very active with the Boy Scouts 606 as assistant scoutmaster.

Dick enjoyed boating, playing the piano, and gardening. He also had a love and skill for woodworking, crafting a variety of items and models, most recently his beautiful handmade clocks.

Always ready with a joke or a story for friends and off-key singing, he was joyful in everything. It was rare to see him without a smile. Generosity was a priority: he donated time and resources to church, Tri-County dental clinic, and people who needed pretty much anything, including offices in Haiti needing dental supplies.

Richard was fiercely proud of his children, JT (Beth) and Sara (Dan Langlois), and all his grandchildren: Alicia, Sydney, Gabriel, Hannah, and Tyler. He is survived by them as well as his beloved and loving wife, Ann; a sister, Ardyth Bergstrom; a brother-in-law, Bill Pazen; a sister-in-law, Nancy Hansen; several nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as brothers-in-law Arne Hansen and Robert "Bob" Bergstrom, and a sister-in-law, Sandy Pazen.

Please join the family in a celebration of Dick's life at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2017, at First United Methodist Church, 700 W. Linwood Avenue, Oshkosh, with Rev. Paola Benecchi and Rev. Jack Stubbs officiating. Interment will precede the service. A memorial is being established for First United Methodist Church, Oshkosh.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to the staff of the Emergency and ICU departments, as well as Dr. Randy Johnson of Mercy Medical Center, for their kindness and compassionate care.