Richard Donald Czech

Trusting in his Savior Jesus Christ for his salvation and eagerly anticipating the joy of heaven that awaited him, Richard "Dick" Donald Czech, 83, Athens, left this world on Friday, December 11, 2015 at Continental Manor Golden Living Center in Abbotsford. He was born May 6, 1932 in the town of Hamburg, son of the late Henry and Katharine (Dorn) Czech. Dick graduated from Concordia High School in Milwaukee and furthered his education, graduating from River Forest College in Illinois. He began his teaching career in Illinois, then taught in Pittsburg, and was then called upon in 1957 to teach in Athens at Trinity Lutheran School, where he met the love of his life, Ellen Polk. They were married on July 25, 1959 at St. John Lutheran Church in Berlin. In 1994, they retired together and went on the trip of a lifetime to the Holy Land and Egypt, that was given to them by the congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church. It was on this trip, they both realized that as they walked where Jesus did, it made reading the bible even more precious. The biggest influence in Dick's life, was Rev. Herman Schedler, who baptized, confirmed and married him. One of Dick's greatest joys, besides being principal and teaching, was leading Bible class at the Plisch apartments. He loved spending time with his family and will be missed by all the people whose lives he touched. Survivors include, his loving wife of 56 years, Ellen Czech, Athens; two children, Nathan (Patty) Czech, Madison and Jenny (Tim) Hartwig, Athens; three grandchildren, Hillary (Riley) Schreiner, Madison, Molly Czech, Madison and Eric (Courtney) Hartwig, Athens; two great-grandchildren, Reis Schreiner and Brilee Hartwig; two siblings, Marjorie (Lawrence) Radenz, Merrill and David (Barb) Czech, Athens; brothers and sisters-in-law, Doris Jesse, Wilfird (Carolyn) Polk, Elaine Mueller, Arthur (Barb) Polk and Faith (Donald) Gatzke; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings, Gerald Czech, Robert Czech and Marlene Hamann. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 14, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate. Burial will be in the Athens Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday at the church from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Deb Schorer and the staff at Continental Manor Golden Living Center for the special care and compassion given to Dick. Dick's favorite Bible passage: Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com