Racine – Richard G. Metzger, 74, entered into eternal life on January 10, 2012. He was born in Racine on August 11, 1937, son of the late Fred and Mary Louise (nee: Fiorita) Metzger. He was united in marriage to Mary McNeil in Racine on July 19, 1969, at Christ Church United Methodist.
Dick graduated from Horlick High School in 1955. He faithfully served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. Dick worked his entire career as a motor tester for the DuMore Corporation in Racine. He spent many years on the company bowling teams and baseball teams. Dick was an avid NASCAR fan and could be found cheering on his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon, over the years. He once took a special trip with his father to see the Indy 500 in person. Dick loved traveling and treasured his routine trips to Virginia and Las Vegas. He was an amateur photographer in his free time and also was a fan of jazz music. He enjoyed some of the greats such as Stan Kenton and Maynard Ferguson. Dick had a fabulous sense of humor and a personality that could light up a room. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.
Dick leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 42 years, Mary (Mickie) Metzger of Racine; daughter, Julie Metzger of Milwaukee; brother, William Metzger of Racine; nephews, Fred (Cece) Metzger of Racine, Charles (Laura Wegner) Metzger of Palatine, IL, Michelle (Mark) McNeil Krause of Racine; two great-nephews, Matthew and Maxwell Krause; and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. In addition to his parents, Dick is preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Gerri Metzger.
A funeral service with Full Military Honors will take place on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 11am, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, with Rev. Ronald O. Crewe officiating. Visitation will be from 10am until the time of the service. A private interment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.
The family would like to thank the staff at Ridgewood, the Nursing and Hospice staff at Wheaton Franciscan, and the staff of DaVita, who all gave so much of themselves while caring for Dick.
Laurie & Jeff Rude says
Dear, Mickey, Julie and Metzger family,
Our condolences to all of you. This is a very difficult time for all of you to go through. We recently lost Jeff’s mom to a form of ALS this past April and can relate to everything you are going through. Dick was a fun loving husband & father. I still remember him taking Julie and I on carnival rides when we were little. I will always remember his bright smile and laughter. Please find it in your hearts to remember the good days and cherish those memories! He is at peace with our Lord now. God Bless all of you.
Love,
Cousins Laurie, Jeff and Ryan Rude
Patti Jensen says
My prayers go out to you and your family. Dick was such a remarkable man. He would light up a room everytime he walked in. We had some really good times. My memories of Dick will last forever. With the deepest of sympathy…Patti
Kif & Cindy Ward says
Dear Julie, Mickie and all- We were so saddened to hear of Dick’s passing. I know that he had many physical difficulties toward the end, and it is such a shame. I will always remember him with a smile on his face, always happy and bubbly, he was such a pleasure to be around. I know he is an angel in heaven, and he anxiously awaits the day until he will see you all again. Until then, let his beautiful spirit carry on in your hearts. May God bless you and comfort you at this difficult time.
Mary Fuhst says
Dear Mickie, Julie and Family: You all have my sincere sympathy. Dick will always be remembered for seeing life through rose colored glasses, and had a way of making you see life the same way. Dick is gone but will never be forgotten.