Richard 'Rick' J. King

Richard J. King (“Rick”), age 71, of Rothschild, passed away peacefully May 5, 2026, with his wife at his side and under the care of Compassus Hospice. Rick was born in Milwaukee, WI in September, 1954 to Alfred and Elenore King.

Rick attended James Madison High School in Milwaukee, but felt his learning would be best served through travel and proceeded to hitchhike (because you could in 1972!) ‘Down South’. He quickly discovered that he needed to find work in order to eat and found a variety of work along the way – baling hay, picking oranges, running carnival rides (sleeping quarters were in the Merry-Go-Round horse truck), and ended up in Job Corps in North Carolina. There he learned to cook and was very proud of his culinary skills – that is, until one unfortunate meal of “barbeque eggs” – which were pink and really inedible, but has provided lots of laughs since. He eventually traveled back to Milwaukee and his second night in town met a nursing student at a neighborhood bar. The second date, he informed her “I’m going to marry you!” She was a bit more than doubtful, but a brief 8-months later, his prediction came true. Rick married the “love of his life” Mary (Klemp) in August, 1974. A daughter, Tracy – the “second love of my life” was born the following year.

Rick worked as a machine operator for most of his life starting at Marathon Electric, then in Daytona Beach and Phoenix, Arizona. He loved all types of sports and could cite stats and scores better than anyone and is counted among the diehard Green Bay Packers fans. He loved telling stories and could have the room in hysterics with his descriptions of events or situations. He loved date nights with Mary – this was often simply having a few beers on the patio or in the garage – as evidenced by the “Rick’s Bar & Garage” neon sign – a Father’s Day gift from Tracy. He loved classic Rock & Roll – preferably at full volume, and his morning routine was to put on his earbuds, turn on some tunes, have a cup (or 4!) of coffee and a “few” cigarettes. He put a bench he made on the backyard patio and that was his favorite spot to carry out his morning routine along with enjoying his backyard and all the nature. He was always in awe that deer and turkeys were in his own backyard and seemed to have a special relationship with a chipmunk (he named “Alvin”) who would often come and sit at his feet. Phone calls with his mom were always started with a cheerful greeting in Polish.

He loved playing ‘scratchers’ and discussing the finer points with his lifelong friend/’brother’, Preston Brock. Rick never met a stranger and frequently we heard “your husband/dad/brother is quite the character!” meaning that in the best way possible because he was welcoming to all and was often the life of the party. He loved going out to eat – especially the Palms Supper Club where he enjoyed the friendship and fun with all the staff.

Most of all he loved his family. He often said he was the “luckiest man in the world” and forever blessed with his wife and daughter. He will be more than deeply missed in their lives and those of his family and friends.

Rick is survived by his wife, Mary, Rothschild; daughter, Tracy King (Jason Steele), Fort Lauderdale, FL; his mother, Elenore King; sisters, Mary Giustso and Susan King; and brother, John King all of Florida; sister and brother-in-law, Zona and Joel Lemanski, Marathon, WI; and extended family that includes nephews, a niece, and a great niece. He is also survived by his canine companion, Coco and grand-dog, Otis. Rick considered his lifelong friend, Preston Brock as his brother along with the ‘sisters-in-law’ Ruth Brock and Mary Collins. In their family he was affectionately known as ‘Rick Brock’.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, Alfred King; grandparents; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Rick had distinct ideas as to how he wanted to live his life, and he had very firm beliefs in how he should be cared for at end-of-life. Beginning with Kathy Weix-Klippel, NP at Marshfield Clinic – Merrill who helped him to realize his wishes with a consult to Compassus and Apollo Senior Care – Palliative Care. Jessie Ryan-Geiger, NP supported his wishes for a year and did her level best to make him as comfortable as possible. Our gratitude is beyond measure for their care and support for his journey on his terms. The transition to hospice care was seamless and we wish to express our deepest appreciation and thanks to his Compassus family who have been with us these past several months. The nurses, especially Hank, RN and Chaplain Mark who provided Rick with spiritual care – he looked forward to every visit. And, Tia, CNA who quickly became his “angel”. Your care and compassion are forever treasured.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Chaplain Mark Lewis will officiate.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com

Rick loved his rescue pups. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the local Humane Society or a dog rescue organization.