Richard J. Eirschele

Richard J. Eirschele, 81, of La Crosse, was reunited with the love of his life, Arlene, on Tuesday, January 31, 2017. He was born in Tomah, Wis., on March 19, 1935 to Edwin and Dallas (Vader) Eirschele. He married his loving wife Arlene Ferguson on July 30, 1955, in St James the Less Catholic Church, La Crosse, Wis. Dick was a service repair man for 34 years at Sears, and then at Wettstein’s in La Crosse. He graduated from Tomah High School, and was a member of the National Guard. Dick also tended bar at Schmidty’s for many years. He was very active in Holy Trinity Catholic Church as a member of the Men’s Club, usher, and a Mass server. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 839, of La Crosse, the 4^th Degree Bishop Schwebach Assembly 1195, a member of the La Crosse Eagles Club Aerie 1254, the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 1920, of La Crosse, a member of the Coon Valley Conservation Club, a member of the Millston Knapp Conservation Club, Millston Snowmobile Club, the Chaseburg Rod and Gun Club, and the Coon Valley Conservation Club. Dick had a passion for the land he owned in Millston, Wis., where countless memories were made. He loved hunting, going up to his trailer, and working in the harvesting of cranberries. He also spent his life working and caring for his wife, children, and their families.

He is survived by, his children; Sherry (Kurt) Millin, of La Crosse, Wis., Charles Eirschele of New Bern, North Carolina, Mark (Carol) Eirschele of Tucson, Ariz., Cindy Eirschele of La Crosse, Wis., and Rick (Rita) Eirschele of Cashton, Wis., 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild.  He is further survived by his faithful dog, Captain, and one sister; Geraldine Tralmer, of Rochester, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene, February 3, 2012, and his parents.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 4, 2017, in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 So., 13^th St., La Crosse, Wis. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate with burial to be held in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, La Crosse, Wis., at a later date. Family and friends may call from 5 to 8:00 PM on Friday with a Prayer Service to be held at 7:30 PM in the Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. So., La Crosse, Wis. Family and friends may also call from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass in the Church on Saturday.

Memorials are preferred.

Heaven is-

Where there is no depression- there is no pain- where everyone has a smile-where everyone has happiness- when we talk, we sing- where we love and serve the Lord. Where we praise and sing to the Lord.