Richard "Rich" K. Szarkowitz

Richard K. “Rich” Szarkowitz, 68, Schofield passed away Monday, September 23, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born on May 9, 1956 in Wausau, son of the late Anthony and Irene (Koppa) Szarkowitz.

Rich was a graduate of Newman Catholic High School graduating in 1974 with high honors.  While in high school he lettered in cross country and band.  He also was a member of jazz ensemble.  In 1972 he played trumpet at the opening ceremony of the summer Olympics in Munich Germany with the Newman High School “Marching Cardinals” band.

After high school he furthered his education at U.W. Stout.  Rich graduated in 1978 cum laude with a B.S. degree in engineering.

His first job took him to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and later Williamsburg, North Carolina working for Modern Machine Works for over 20 years as a manufacturing engineer.

After moving back to Wausau, he worked at Schuette Metals in the engineering department until his retirement just 9 weeks ago.

Some of Rich’s enjoyments included running, boating, canoeing, watching the Brewers and the Packers and in his younger years he also played trumpet in a band in Milwaukee.

Survivors include his brother, Mike (Kathie) Szarkowitz, Weston, his aunt, Hilde Szarkowitz, Weston and many cousins and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 3, 2024 at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild.  Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter.  Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.  Mike and Kathie would like to thank the Aspirus nursing staff in the ICU Medical and IMC.  Their care and compassion for Rich and his family was very comforting and appreciated greatly.