Richard A. "Dick" Meinholz

Ashton/Waunakee-Richard “Dick” A. Meinholz, age 87 passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

He was born on January 3, 1937 to Joe & Lucy (Laufenburg) Meinholz. On April 14, 1959 he married his one and only, Bernie (Frey) at St. Norbert’s Catholic Church in Roxbury. Recently celebrating 65 years of marriage together.

Dick always had a great work ethic, which he instilled into his family; whom he is very proud of. From owning his own construction company (Meinholz Construction) with his two sons, to working long hours on the farm. Those orange Allis Chalmers tractors made his eyes light up. His farm was one of his favorite places to be. From mowing to hoeing potatoes he always found something to get his hands on. It’s there where he tied his last ring of bratwurst in May. While there was always work to be done around home, he knew exactly where to go to relax - the Northwoods! He and Bernie would hop in the pickup and head north for pontoon rides, fish fry’s and the lake life at any chance they could get; and they loved it even more when family would join.

Dick and Bernie enjoyed attending sporting events the kids, grandkids, and even great-grandkids were involved in. Family is and will always remain of the utmost importance. Telling stories, drinking cold beers, listening to classic country with a pinch of copey is what made for his best days. Traveling, deer hunting, fishing, trips to the casino, chicken on the grill and family get-togethers also top the list of some of his favorite things. But Bernie ranks the highest. Always hand in hand, rarely seen apart, the love of his life for 65 years.

He was a man of faith and integrity with an immense amount of gratitude as he realized what he had was good, and it was good enough. The softest heart, followed by the firmest handshake.

Dick proudly served his country in the US Army Reserve from 1957-1963, and was recognized and honored to participate in the Badger Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2019.

Dick is survived by his wife, Bernie; children; Kevin (Cathy), Kristi (Kevin), Vicki (Al), Sandy (Bob), Kurt (Deb) along with 20 wonderful grandchildren (and spouses) and 22 beautiful great grandchildren with 2 more he desperately wanted to be around to meet this year.

Dick is also survived by his sisters Lucy (Kippley), Pat (Breunig) and Judy (Del) Endres, and brothers Ronnie (Helen) & Lloyd along with in-laws, Merl Breunig, Herb Frey, Betty (Frey) Niesen, and Bev Frey.

He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Kim (Thomas); his parents (including his stepmother Alice); siblings, Bob Meinholz & Marilyn (Breunig); including in laws; Mary (Meinholz), Rita (Meinholz), Virgil Kippley, Bernard Breunig, Bob Frey, Anita (Frey,) Al Raml & Gene Niesen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 7121 County Trunk K in Ashton. Family & friends may visit on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q in Waunakee. There will also be time to visit at church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at the church cemetery following mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be designated by family at a later date.

 A special “thank you” to the VA Hospital and staff, as well as Hospice Care for their wonderful care and support.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home 

5785 Hwy Q 

Waunakee