Richard W. Kurszewski

Richard Kurszewski, 74, of Hazelhurst passed away Thursday July 9 2020 at home under the care of Ascension Home Hospice.

Rich was born in Wausau to the late Nick and Regina (Modrzewski) Kurszewski on November 14, 1945. He graduated from DC Everest High School in 1963.  On December 26, 1964 he married Marlene Buss at St. Marks Catholic Church in Rothschild.

Rich honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968, spending two of those years in Las Vegas and one year in Thailand before returning to central Wisconsin with his family.  He attended college at the University of Wisconsin, finishing his degree in Engineering through the ICS while starting his 29 year career at Kraft Foods Wausau as a Maintenance Supervisor. During Rich’s career at Kraft his hard work and dedication was rewarded with promotions and awards.  He retired in 1999 as SeniorProject Engineer and was awarded the prestigious Jade Ring.After retirement he spent a few years remodeling their lake home and re-entered the work force in 2002 to 2006 as Treasurer of the Village of Kronenwetter.

He enjoyed being involved with and coaching little league baseball and youth hockey.  Rich also enjoyed bowling and all outdoor activities, especially snowmobiling and golf.  He cherished the friends he made while a member of Minocqua Country Club and later Timber Ridge Golf Club.  His hunting trips to Montana, Colorado and Alaska were memories he often talked about with friends.  His fascination with trains led him to join the Northwoods Model Railroad Club where he served as President until his illness. He also has served as Treasurer of the Bear Lake Association and was a member of the American Legion. Rich and Marlene loved to travel and enjoyed over 107 trips visiting 49 of the 50 states.  Their trips to Hawaii, Costa Rica, Europe and the 6 week driving trip to Alaska, were some of his favorites.

He is survived by his wife Marlene; sons Andy (Karen) of Wausau, John (Annastasia) of Kronenwetter; and daughter Bobbie (Scott) Stoltz of Bevent; grandchildren Owen Kurszewski and Arianna Kurszewski; great grandchild Markus Cabrera, and Myriam Stoltz;  in-laws Nancy Kurszewski, Lucy Kurszewski, Ruth Kurszewski, Alfred Kluz, James Buss, Judee & Morrie Freund and Robert Buss along with many nieces and nephews.

Rich is preceded in death by his parents Nick and Regina Kurszewski, mother and father-in-law Adelaide and Marvin Buss, sister Margaret Kluz, and brothers LeRoy, Norman and Raymond. 

Visitation for Rich will be held on Wednesday, July 15th from 9:30 to 11:00 am at Peterson-Kraemer Funeral, 1302 N 6th St, Wausau, WI with a Funeral Service at 11:00 am followed by burial with Military Honors at Restlawn Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ascension Home Health and Ascension Home Hospice as well as Doctors Gabert, Yasar and Lee for their kindness and compassion shown to Richard and his family as well as the excellent care he was given.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Marathon County Humane Society, Ascension Home Health, or Ascension Home Hospice.

Social distancing practices will be observed and the family would very much appreciate masks be worn during visitation.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

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