Born to eternal life February 21, 2015, age 87 years, formerly of Elm Grove. Preceded in death by wife Jane Florence Kraus Rech and infant son Gerard. Dear father of Richard Rech, Maryann Traficante, James Rech, and Nancy Rech. Further survived by grandchildren Nikki and Jimmy Rech, Michelle Traficante, and great grandson Brayden Rech, and special, dear friend Lois Margwarth.

Richard was born in Milwaukee Jan 21, 1928 to William and Ethel Rech. He graduated from Messmer High School and served as president of the Messmer Alumni Association.

He led a very active life and had a career as a dentist in the Milwaukee area for 56 years. He was on the faculty of Marquette Dental School for 20 years. He served as president of the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association from 1975 to 1976.

He worked as a professional musician while putting himself through Marquette Dental School and raising his family. He played saxophone, clarinet, and the bass fiddle. He was a singer and a member of the local Milwaukee band, the Four Aces. His musical talents served him well when he was in the army. He was an army veteran and was stationed in Rome, Italy, from 1947 to 1948. Dick and his wife Jane were avid dancers and danced many types of dancing, including tap dance.

He was a long-term member of the Milwaukee Athletic Club and served on the board of directors. He loved his card club in room 808 at the MAC.

He was a devout Catholic, taught CCD and was a long time parishioner at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Elm Grove. He served as a volunteer Emergency Medical Specialist for the Elm Grove Fire Department from 1982 to 1990.

He was a successful amateur athlete in the fields of squash and racquetball. He was a prolific, self taught artist who had many hobbies and interests. These included the creation of metal and wood sculptures, oil paintings, and miniature horseless carriages. He carved 85 American soldiers that were donated to and are on permanent display at the War Memorial Center in downtown Milwaukee. He was an avid lecturer on many artistic modalities.

Visitation on Friday Feb. 27, at San Camillo 10200 West Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa from 10 to 11 am followed by a Mass at 11 am and luncheon.

Daughter Nancy and his family would like to express their deepest thanks to his Hospice Team at San Camillo for their compassionate and loving care of Dick.

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