Rick L. Kositzke

Rick Kositzke died unexpectedly on Thursday evening, December 28, 2006 as the result of an automobile accident near his home. Rick was born September 16, 1954 in Appleton, son of the late Robert Kositzke and Doane (Helms) Kositzke of Appleton. Rick was a 1973 graduate of Appleton East High School, and on September 25, 1976 married the former Lisa Dercks.

Rick was the co-owner of Appleton Floor Center, which he and his partner Mike Romenesko opened in 1988. He was an avid outdoorsman, and his greatest joys in life came from sharing that enthusiasm for hunting, fishing, and trap shooting with his four sons and his other hunting and fishing buddies. Each morning, there was an important “conference” held at Rick’s shop, and nearly every day the discussion centered around his hunting trips to North Dakota. Rick took great pride in organizing, promoting, and participating in the various youth programs at the Outagamie Conservation Club. He also enjoyed coaching youth baseball in the Greenville and Hortonville area. Rick also looked forward to snowmobiling and spending time at the cabin on Pine Lake. The Green Bay Packers were also near and dear to his heart.

Rick and Lisa celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this past fall, and are the proud parents of: Nick Kositzke of Little Chute and his fiancée Katie Ciske and their son Ethan; Eric Kositzke of Greenville; Greg Kositzke of Appleton; and Charlie Kositzke at home. He is also survived by his mother: Doane Kositzke of Appleton; his brothers and sister: Bob Kositzke of Greenville; Cindy Kositzke of Neenah; Randy (Debbie) Kositzke of Appleton; and Ryan (Denise) Kositzke of Buffalo, Minnesota; a sister-in-law: Lois Miller of Kaukauna; a brother-in-law: Lyle (Kay) Vandenberg of Kaukauna; his maternal grandmother: Lucille Helms of Colorado, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his father Robert Kositzke, his paternal grandparents Harry and Mildred Kositzke, his maternal grandfather Edgar Helms, his in-laws Richard and Delphine Dercks, and his brother-in-law Glen Miller.

Funeral services for Rick will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 11:00 AM at SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH, N 1615 Meadowview Drive (at Highway 15) in Greenville with Rev. Nate Reichle officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call AT THE CHURCH on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM and again Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Keith Romenesko, who was also the first person to reach the scene of the accident. His friendship, personal touch, and gentle manner with the boys was such a comfort to Lisa. Thanks also to the countless relatives, neighbors, and friends who have reached out to the family during the difficult time. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful family members, neighbors, and friends. Thank you all so very much.

Rick – Our journey together was cut far too short. We can’t imagine how we will go on without you. You will never be far from our hearts in all we do. You have taught us all so very much about life. We will do our best to carry on your legacy. Our love for you will never end.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231