Ricky C. Nemitz

Ricky Claire Nemitz was born to Claire and Lorraine Nemitz, March 4, 1948. For the first six years of his life, the family lived in Alma Center. When Rick was very young, Rick’s older brother, Bobby, died as a result of an accident while playing baseball. Rick moved with his family to Trempealeau when he was in first grade. Except for a couple of years living on French Island, La Crosse, he lived his entire life as a resident of Trempealeau County.

Rick was a confirmed member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Trempealeau. He attended and graduated from Healy Memorial High School, Trempealeau, in 1966. Always a good student, he was a standout athlete as a lineman in football, first baseman and slugger in baseball and a shot putter in track.

In 1967, Rick married Beverly Emmons. They were blessed with three children: Troy, Sean and Brandi. Rick worked at Schilling Supply Company in La Crosse for many years, eventually retiring from his role as warehouse manager. He continued work in a few jobs including over the road delivery services and at an aggregate/gravel weigh station supervisor. His final employment was as a driver for Pine Creek Transportation, serving their clients, many with disabilities. He faithfully and carefully delivered some to medical appointments and others to work obligations.

Rick was a widely known, highly-respected and effective leader in Trempealeau County. He served as a Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School Board member for more than 25 years, as a Township Board Chairman and a County Board member. Rick filled many other volunteer roles through the years. Rick and Bev were avid G-E-T sports fans and a couple of generations of student athletes were cheered on by them as they faithfully attended games. Rick was honored for his impact in the region when he was selected as the Parade Marshal for Trempealeau’s Annual Catfish Days in 2023.

Rick was a Hunter Safety instructor, teaching hundreds of youth and adults. He also worked many summers running professional fishing tournaments on the Mississippi River and in northern Wisconsin. An avid deer hunter with both gun and bow, Rick accumulated many outstanding whitetail trophies through the years. As his health failed in recent years, he was supported by his longtime friend, Rusty Gibbons, and his family members and hunting group.

Rick was touched by much difficulty and tragedy including the death of son, Troy, in a car accident shortly after his graduation, Bev’s inoperable brain tumor which caused a severe auto accident that ended Bev’s nursing and work career, the recent death of their son, Sean, and finally, the death his faithful partner, Bev, on Valentine’s Day in 2024.

Rick battled and won his battle with throat cancer in the past few years, although it resulted in loss of his ability to speak. However, he did not lose his ability to communicate and continued to provide friendship and care to his vast community of friends of all ages.

Rick died at home of congestive heart failure, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his faithful care-giving daughter, Brandi Rae, of Galesville and his granddaughter, Skyla Mcgrane, of Madison.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Trempealeau with Reverend Lisa Shank officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

To leave an online condolence for his family, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com. Wozney-Killian Funeral Home is assisting the family.