Richard Clayton “Dick” Blise, 88, died after a 14-year battle with Parkinson disease on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Brookside Care Center, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Pence, WI, on September 25, 1928, Richard was the son of Charles and Mary (Bertolino) Blise. He was raised and educated in Pence and Hurley, WI, graduating from Hurley High.

Richard honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1952, and reserves through 1956. He graduated from parachutist and medical technician training and proudly served in the 11^th Airborne Division.

Richard received his diploma from the Allied Institute of Technology, Chicago, and worked as an industrial draftsman at Young Radiator Company, Racine, WI, and Eaton Dynamatic Corporation, Kenosha. He then worked as a cost estimator for VISTA in Kenosha.

In 1952, he married the love of his life, Audrey Czyzewicz, in Thorp, WI. They were blessed with 64 years of married life together.

He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. An avid sports enthusiast, Richard coached Catholic Youth Organization football and basketball at St. Anthony Catholic Parish for many years while serving as the citywide CYO program director during much of that time. He was a lifelong Green Bay Packers, Brewers, Bucks and Badger football and basketball fan. Regularly, he could be observed with his trusted radio "tuned in", listening to one of his beloved state teams. Richard was actively involved in the Boy Scout program with his sons. Together, he and Audrey enjoyed traveling and playing pinochle with two long standing clubs.

In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his children, Mark (Christine) Blise, Kenosha, Jeffrey (Joanne) Blise, Wausau, WI, and Linda (Michael) Rieschl, Kenosha.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer (Kevin) Zierke, Robert (Rachel) Blise, Melissa (John) Porter, Sarah Beth (Jade) Staup, Amelia Blise, Andrew Rieschl, and Megan Rieschl; his great grandchildren, Jace Zierke; Michael, Jeffrey, Mary Beth, Jun Yu, and Ruby Mei Porter; Julia, Joanne, and Aksel Staup, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Jennie O’Berto, Ann Werlein, Emma Matye, and a brother, Herman.

Service Info

Funeral Services honoring Richard’s life will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2016. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 5100 22nd Avenue. Full military honors will follow the Mass. Private interment will take place in St. James Cemetery.