Obituary for Richard M. "Rich" Pitz

May 26, 1947 — September 5, 2025

Richard ‘Rich’ Michael Pitz, age 78 of La Crosse, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Mulder Health Care Facility.

He was born to John Joseph Pitz Jr ‘Jack’ and Marjorie (Kolbo) on May 26, 1947, in La Crosse. He married his sweetheart, Colleen (Herold), on August 21, 1976, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse.

Rich was passionate about Scouting, camping and nature. As an Adult Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster of Troop 13, and Camp Decorah volunteer, he lived a life of service and instilled the Scout values in all he mentored. He also enjoyed fishing, going to Loggers’ Games and ‘putzing’ in his shed.

Rich was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in many ways— custodian, volunteer, and all around handyman.

Known as ‘Dick’ Pitz to his co-workers, Rich worked at the La Crosse Footwear (The Rubber Mills), until its closing in 2001. Rich was an industrial machinist, so he was well known at the Footwear for getting things back up and running. After 2001, Rich held various jobs but continued to focus on providing for his family and making sure things were running right.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen; daughter, Carmen; sons, Travis (Jocelynn) and Justin (Nicole); and grandsons, Jameson and Jackson; sister, Jackie; nephew, Jeff (Sheila), sister-in-law, Christine; niece, Catherine; and partner-in-crime, Harvey.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Marjorie and brother, George.

Services will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse at 612 Division St., on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00AM. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. A luncheon will follow at the church. Details of inurnment will follow.

Fredrickson Funeral Home will be handling details of funeral preparations.

The family is using the funds from memorials to establish a scholarship at Logan High School in Rich’s memory.

The family would like to extend special thanks to St. Croix Hospice who cared for Dad ‘Smiley’ in his last days, and Mulder Nursing Home for making sure he was comfortable.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.