Richard "Rick" L. Rosenthal

With some people there is never enough time. Surrounded by people he loved and who loved him dearly, Richard “Rick” L. Rosenthal, 71, passed away peacefully at Hospice Home of Hope on September 5, 2026. He was born on October 8, 1954, to Dorothy and LeRoy Rosenthal in Beaver Dam, WI. At an early age, his family moved to Fond du Lac. Rick graduated from L.P. Goodrich, Class of 1973.

Rick met the love of his life, Mary Elaine Schmitz, while working in the dietary department at St. Agnes Hospital. For Rick, it was love at first sight. He always said from the moment he saw her, he knew she was the woman he was going to marry. They were united in marriage on January 22, 1977, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Together they shared 49 ½ years of marriage.

Soon after graduation, Rick began working at Mercury Marine. He cherished the many friendships he gained during his years there, many of whom remained an important part of his life. After many years there, Rick took on two new adventures, purchasing Econo Laundry and Dry Cleaning and co-owning Schmitty’s Bar with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law. He thoroughly loved his work at the laundromat and talking with his customers. It wasn’t unusual for Rick to put money into someone’s machine or give someone a free dry cleaning.

Together Rick and Mary built a life filled with love, laughter and many beautiful memories. They enjoyed camping, biking, traveling and attending concerts, especially Summer Fest. Family was Rick’s greatest joy as he was a constant, supportive presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He gave his time freely, whether he was coaching his children's sports teams, volunteering at their school, driving grandkids to their various events or babysitting. If any of the grandkids wanted to play a board game, they knew that grandpa was the one to be asked. The love he shared with them was the greatest blessings of his life.

Rick faced many health challenges later in his life, but his easygoing, positive attitude helped him to keep moving forward. He never let life’s difficulties define him. His strength, optimism and determination were an inspiration to those who knew and loved him.

Rick, you have blessed our lives in so many countless ways. Though you are no longer by our side, you will forever live in our hearts.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary, his children Jason (Jenny) Rosenthal, Kari (Brad) Kallenbach, and Ryan (Megan) Rosenthal; his grandchildren, Jaanika (fiancé Caleb Oliver), Jelena and Jurista Rosenthal, Eli and Ashton Kallenbach, and Ryer, Reeve and Caroline-Christina “CC” Rosenthal; his sisters, Lois (Harry) Pamenter and Peggy Jo Rosenthal and brother, Tom (Ann) Rosenthal; brothers-in-law, John (Nancy) Schmitz, Thomas (Susan) Schmitz and Michael “Mel” (Patti) Schmitz, and sister-in-law, Julie Schmitz; nieces, nephews and many cherished friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his father and mother-in-law, Melvin and Christina Schmitz and brothers-in-law, Ronald and Joseph Schmitz.

Rick’s children would like to express their deepest gratitude to their mom for the extraordinary love and devotion she gave him. For the past several years, Mary was by his side, caring for him with unwavering love, patience and compassion. Her dedication and devotion to our dad will never be forgotten.

The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Peggy and Heather of Hospice Health at Home and the staff at SSM Hospice Home of Hope for their kindness and loving care for Rick and support for the family.

Visitation for Rick will be on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 11:30 AM until 3:30 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 3:30 PM. Cremation will follow the services.

Memorials in Rick’s name may be directed to SSM Hospice Home of Hope, SSM Adult Day Services or a charity of your choice.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com