Richard Joseph Pire

MADISON -- Richard J. Pire, age 86, died on Friday, March 11, 2011 at home. He was born August 8, 1924 in Green Bay, to the late Emil and Helen (Spejcher) Pire. Dick served in the US Army in the Pacific Theater during WW II.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1949 and went on to attend Law School there.  He married the late Phyllis Margaret Arnemann Pire on June 12, 1952. He was the Director of Operations at American Family Insurance until he retired in 1989 after more than 40 years with the company. Dick was a devoted member of the community.  He served as a Supervisor on the Dane County Board from 1965 through 1976 and was elected County Board Chairman 1968-1972.  He volunteered at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, where he was also a longtime member. He loved his summers at his cottage in Manitowish Waters. Dick was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his children, Charles (Jane) Pire of Omaha, NE, and Christine (Gregg) Knoche of Madison. He is further survived by his grandchildren R.J. Pire, Christopher and Nicole Milbrath; Elise, Lauren and Sterling Knoche; and his brothers Elmer (Pat) Pire of Waukesha and Gerald (Pat) Pire of Maplewood, N.J. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday March 15th, 2011 followed by Funeral Services at 11:00 a.m. at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive. Interment will be at the Pioneer's Rest Cemetery in Two Rivers.  Many summer Sundays were spent picnicking with neighbors at the county parks. As a County Supervisor he was instrumental in expanding and improving the parks system.  Family suggests memorials be made to Dane County Parks, 1 Fen Oak Court, Madison, WI 53718.