Service Details
A Service, with full military and fire department honors, honoring Richard’s life will be held in the funeral home on Friday, September 1st at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Yorkville Cemetery.
Memorial Suggestions
In memory of Richard, memorials to St. Jude’s Cancer Research Hospital (in memory of his grandson, Ross) are always appreciated.
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Richard Joseph Rousar, age 88, died on Monday, August 28, 2023 at Aurora Medical Center, Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. Richard was born in Racine on May 20, 1935, to Joseph and Margaret (nee: Gagnon) Rousar. He served in the US Army from 1954 – 1956.
After dating for several years, Richard and Betty (nee: Fritchen) planned a wedding in six weeks and were married on June 22, 1957, in Holy Communion Church by Reverend Kenneth Hurst. In 1959, they purchased the home where they have lived for sixty-four years.
Richard worked for both Specialty Finishing and Norden Woodworking as an installer and cabinetmaker. In 1964, he was hired by the Racine Fire Department. In the early days of his career, he was at Station #2 on Northwestern Avenue and then moved to the newly built Safety Building in downtown Racine. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant, he retired in December of 1990.
Richard was a union supporter, being part of both the Carpenter and Firefighter Unions. He was a blood donor and a part of Racine’s first Scuba team.
In the mid-1960s, Richard and his childhood friend purchased forty acres in New Lisbon, Wisconsin. Together, they built a cabin and opened it to their hunting buddies. As a family, many Easters were spent “up north,” hiding eggs and riding motorcycles. He enjoyed his garden, scavenging, and cutting down trees. His list of hates included squirrels, rice, and working on any projects his daughters dragged home.
Richard is survived and missed by his wife, Betty; daughters, Peg (William Thompson) and Betsy; grandchildren, Blake (Allison Carey) Thompson, and Theodora Thompson; great grandchildren, Katherine, Andrew and Ella Rose; sister-in-law, Carol Fritchen; nephew and godson, Brian Fritchen; sister, Karen Rosera; and nieces and nephews.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Joseph Rousar; stepfather, William Kucera; brothers, Gerald, Ronald and Edwin; parents-in-law, Harold and Barbara Fritchen; brother-in-law, John Fritchen; his childhood friend and partner, Art Rodenberg; his Siamese cat, Nick; and his pistol-of-a-grandson, Ross Richard Thompson.
A huge thank you to Dr. Robert Brown, Julie Pignotti, PA, and Dr. Prakach Shah, Racine Fire and Rescue, Cecilia, Rhonda, and the staff at Aurora Garden Unit and ER for their loving care of both Richard and his family.
Ricky Bowman says
Worked with Lt . Rousar on the line as as a dispatcher. Working dispatch he would rise about 330 am and bring me a much needed cup of coffee. A widely respected man and firefighter. Rest in peace.
Jim Yoghourtjian says
My condolences to the Rousar family. As a young police officer interested in woodworking Dick let me join him in the fire department workshop on many occasions sharing his knowledge with me. My life is better for having known him.
Kevin Bush says
Sincere condolences to the Rousar family. I served under Lt. on Engine 1 and have very good memories of his leadership.
Nick Comande says
Dick was one of my first officers when I joined the RFD in 1980. He taught me many things. My sympathies to the Rousar family.
robert radewan says
One of the very best, worked with Dick at old 2s on state st. early 60s.