Richard L. Reetz

Richard Louis Reetz, age 97, a lifelong resident of Appleton, was called to glory on June 11, 2025, with family at his side. Richard was born on May 2, 1928 to the late Louis and Frieda Reetz in Appleton, WI.

Richard attended Appleton High School and went on to earn his Electrical Engineering Degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was a member of the Wisconsin ROTC Reserves for 16 years and earned the rank of Captain. He rarely mentioned it as he didn’t want recognition since he didn’t serve overseas in actual combat. In 1950, Richard began his professional career in engineering, selling pumps for Herbert Crane and Mabel McClanahan of Crane Engineering Sales for 18 years before branching out on his own in 1968 forming Reetz Engineering which he operated for another 22 years. He enjoyed his business relationships and finding fluid handling process solutions until his retirement in 1994. Richard was an avid bicyclist, enjoyed 30–40-mile bike rides several times a week and logging more than 87K miles over 20 years.

At the same time, Richard owned several apartment rentals and provided housing for numerous tenants for more than 50 years. He operated his rentals on handshakes and goodwill, sometimes at his own cost. This, however, was only a part of Richard’s generous legacy. Richard was a large financial supporter of local charities such as Fox Valley Technical College, Pillars, LEAVEN, Fox Cities Greenways, Sweet Adeline’s, Fox Valley Chorus, and multiple educational scholarships. Richard made these gifts with a smile and his humble nature precluded him from requesting public recognition. Richard’s philanthropic legacy will continue to serve our community into perpetuity via various charitable funds he has established with the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc and the gifting of his rental properties to Pillars.

Richard had a full personal life as well with his first wife, Donna J. Londre and helped to raise her (4) sons: Mark, Brad, David and Jeff Londre. In 1979, Richard met the love of his life on the ski hill and eventually married Marie G. Frank of St. John, WI on July 2, 1994. Together they enjoyed downhill skiing, ballroom dancing, attending charity fundraising events and gardening until Marie’s passing in May of 2019. Richard kept busy managing his apartments and working out with his friends at the health club. He enjoyed his visits discussing business, finance and, yes, the politics of the day with Maryann and John, sometimes agreeing to disagree, but always the true gentlemen we all loved. He spent the last 1-1/2 years at Primrose Retirement Community in Appleton, where he met more good friends and enjoyed great care from the assisted living staff.

Richard is survived by Marie’s children, Kenn (Jan) Frank, Karla Christel, Joe (Debby) Frank; grandchildren, Nate Frank, Ami (Dustin) Sullivan, Jason (Melissa) Christel, Conrad Christel, Ashley (Tom) Lempola, Andy (Tiffany) Frank, Brian (Brittney) Frank; and 15 great-grandchildren. From Richard’s first marriage, Mark Londre, Brad (Naomi) Londre, David (Sandy) Londre, Jeff Londre; 3 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Richard was proceeded in death by his grandparents, William and Agnes Reetz and Richard and Bertha Redlin; parents, Louis and Frieda Reetz; his wife, Marie Frank-Reetz; and grandsons, Phillip Frank and Nicholas Frank.

We would also like to thank the wonderful staff at the Primrose Retirement Community for their kindness to Richard, his family and close friends throughout his time there and the Moments Hospice staff, especially Ashley, Dez and Emily, for their compassion and care in his final days.

A memorial visitation will be held for Richard from 9:30 - 11:00 AM on Friday, June 27, 2025 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM. Richard will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI with Marie following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the charities Richard supported or to Primrose of Appleton to help support their annual Staff Holiday Celebration.