Fifth Generation

76. Richard EIRSCHELE was born on 19 March 1935 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.⁷⁶ He died on 31 January 2017 at the age of 81.⁷⁶

Obituary Notes: "Richard J. Eirschele, 81, of La Crosse was reunited with the love of his life, Arlene, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017.

He was born March 19, 1935, in Tomah, to Edwin and Dallas (Vader) Eirschele. He married his loving wife, Arlene Ferguson, July 30, 1955, in St. James the Less Catholic Church, La Crosse. Dick was a service repair man for 34 years at Sears, and then at Wettsteins 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 4th 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, 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, Charles Eirschele of New Bern, N.C., Mark (Carol) Eirschele of Tucson, Ariz., Cindy Eirschele of La Crosse, and Rick (Rita) Eirschele of Cashton; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one 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, Feb. 3, 2012; and his parents.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 So., 13th St., La Crosse. The Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate with burial to be held in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, La Crosse, at a later date. Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday with a prayer service to be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Blaschke and Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Family and friends may also call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass Saturday at the church."

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Richard EIRSCHELE and Arlene FERGUSON were married on 30 July 1955 in La Crosse, La Crosse County, WI.^39,76 Arlene FERGUSON died on 3 February 2012.³⁹