Richard W. Hedtke

Richard W. Hedtke, 60, passed away peacefully from health complications on Friday, December 18, 2020 surrounded by family at Unity Hospice in De Pere.

Rick was born on October 28, 1960 to Wallace and the late Evelyn (Jamison) Hedtke. Rick married the love of his life, Lori Appleton, on June 2, 1984, recently celebrating 36 years of marriage. Rick met Lori while working at Anchor Fish & Seafood, now McCain Foods USA. Rick went on to work for McCain for over 40 years and took great pride in his work and cherished the many relationships he made along the way.  Rick loved spending time with his family and many friends making memories and sharing good times.  He also loved fishing, hunting, spending time up north, sitting around a campfire, and watching birds on his bird feeders, along with cheering on the Packers, Badgers, and his favorite NASCAR drivers. Rick and his family also shared many great memories renting cottages up north, where they enjoyed outdoor activities and the lake.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Lori; Sons, Derek (Stacey Allen) Hedtke, Aaron (fiancée Alexis Merbach) Hedtke; Father, Wallace Hedtke; Sisters, Vicki Syring, Mary Jahnel, and Colleen (Vaughn) Kosmosky; Brothers-in-Law, Dave and Steve Appleton; Sisters-in-Law, Kim (Scott) Walbrun and DeAnn (Jeff) Kohlbeck. He is also survived by his Niece, Jennifer Syring; Nephews, Jeremy (Alycia) and Jason (Jessica) Syring, Justin (Jacklyn Tessen) and Jesse (Maria) Jahnel, Zachary Kosmosky, Thomas and Jake Appleton, Zachary and Luke Walbrun; along with many great nieces and nephews.

Rick is preceded in death by his Mother, Evelyn (Jamison) Hedtke; Parents-in-Law, Tom and Flora Appleton; Brother-in-law, Gary Syring.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Rick at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Kaukauna. Visitation for family and friends will be at the church from 9:00 AM to ~ 10:50 AM. Masks and social distancing are required and capacity will be limited to 200 people. If unable to attend in person, you can join and view the Funeral Mass via Livestream by visiting this page on the day of the mass. We know wherever you join us from, you will be with us in heart and spirit. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton following the mass.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Rick’s life, the family asks for donations to be made to St. Joe’s Food Pantry in Appleton, or any charity close to your heart, to assist those in need this holiday season.

The family would like to express many thanks to Unity Hospice and the transplant team, staff, and doctors at Froedtert Medical Hospital for their loving care and support.

Rick/Dad, we love you and we’ll miss you always. You’ll live on in our many happy memories and forever be in our hearts, until we meet again.

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