Richard J. Grybush

March 16, 1939 - August 20, 2023

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Queen of Apostles Catholic Church

N35 W23360 Capitol Drive

Pewaukee, WI 53072

Thursday 8/31, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Queen of Apostles Catholic Church

N35 W23360 Capitol Drive

Pewaukee, WI 53072

Thursday 8/31, 12:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the foundation of your choice or plant a tree in honor of Richard and his love of the outdoors.

March 16, 1939 – August 20th, 2023

Richard J. Grybush, 84, of Pewaukee WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 20th, 2023.

Richard is survived by the love of his life of 62 years, Mary (Prince), his children, Melissa (Peter) Fichtner, Janette (Tim) Faul, Anthony (Daphne) Grybush, Renee (Gene) Nagler, Sue (Dennis) Weishan, Robert (DeNeille) Grybush and his brother James (Sally) Grybush. He was preceded in death by his son William Francis Grybush. He will always be cherished by his 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Richard was an award-winning Point of Purchase Designer with a career that spanned over 60+ years. He received the Industry POMPAI OMA awards thrice for his ingenious advertising designs. Often, he would marvel, “Can you believe they pay me to do this?” His success was a testament to his creative genius, intuition, and dedication to detail. He embraced technological changes with open arms, diving headfirst into CAD, 3D printing, AI, and advanced computer design skills. He loved working with his friends at CD Baird and Company and may have stopped back to help with projects for fun after retiring.

Yet, what he was most proud of was the ever-expanding family he and Mary created together. He was a loving father whose compassion knew no bounds. With a mischievous streak, he delighted in “pushing Mary’s buttons”, often to get a laugh from their Grandchildren who knew him as ‘The Grandpa’. He had a bottomless sweet tooth that brought smiles to our faces. His legacy was one of love, laughter, family gatherings and a life lived to the fullest. But Rich was so much more than a dedicated family man and husband.

His interests were as diverse as his talents were abundant, bringing energy to everything he did. He had a penchant for angling tales as tall as the fish he caught, regaling us with stories that always ended with the “Big One”, which he holds the record for in the Annual Grybush Family Bass Tournament. His love for fishing was only eclipsed by his love for storytelling, an art he mastered with flair and a dash of sassy spunk.

Rich was a hobbyist. Dabbling in and often mastering whatever he found interest in. Photography, wood carving, sketching, watercolor painting, fly tying, model building, blacksmithing, ancient tool making, collecting artifacts, assisting in archaeological digs, handcrafting bows, arrows, and atlatls were among his many skills. When he was younger, he was a member of the Geological Society with his wife serving as secretary. Often family vacations were planned around rock collecting and fossil hunting. There was no medium he couldn’t conquer and no skill he wouldn’t teach to an interested student. He was truly a lifetime learner who enjoyed reading and studying well into retirement. His many creations were not just objects; they were expressions of his boundless passion for life.

In the quiet moments when we close our eyes, we can still hear the rhythmic tap-tap of stone meeting flint, the sound of creation and passion that defined the soul of a remarkable man, Richard. He was more than a father, more than a friend; he was a living testament to a life lived with zest, creativity, and boundless love.

Flint Knapping was more than a hobby for him; it was a lifelong passion that he chiseled into an art form. With skillful hands and an artist’s eye, he crafted not just arrowheads but also an enduring love for Native American archaeology. He was a lifetime member of the Wisconsin Archaeological Society, dedicating years of service and even assuming the role of President. Through his love for this craft, he inspired countless others to explore the rich tapestry of Native American history. He worked with the Milwaukee Museum when they created an exhibit about ancient man, advising and providing arrowheads and props. He was invited to teach classes at the Menominee Reservation to help the youth understand the hunting and tool making of their ancient elders.

Together with his wife, they explored England, Scotland, Australia, and Mexico. They regularly traveled to various states for Knapp-ins, and to visit friends and relatives. During a Knapp-in in Ohio he joined the Ear of Corn Society in a hilarious Ooga Booga ceremony. Annual family vacations to St. George Island and Minocqua were among his favorite destinations. The world was their canvas, and they painted it with cherished memories shared with those they loved. A highlight of his life was a hot air balloon ride gifted by his beloved wife on their 25th wedding anniversary. It was a soaring testament to their enduring love and a cherished memory held dear.

But beyond his talents, Rich was outgoing and social with a ready smile. He drew friends in like a magnet with his wit and charm. He was the life of many a party and would often be overheard telling his Grandkids to “Have fun, but not too much Fun!”. He kept his sense of humor and zest for dancing alive until the very end, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know him.

As we bid farewell to Richard, we do not say goodbye; we say thank you for the love, the laughter, and the enduring memories. His spirit lives on in the stories he told, the art he created, and the love he shared. Though he may be gone from our sight, he will forever remain in our hearts.

Rest in peace dear Richard, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle, and friend. May your journey beyond be as vibrant and beautiful as the life you lived among us.

We would like to thank Pro Healthcare in-home hospice for the nurses, aids and music therapy. And his primary overnight care provider, Eva. Thank you for the love and support. Also, many thanks to Angel’s Grace Hospice for the comfort you provided.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, August 31st, 2023, at Queen of Apostles Church in Pewaukee. Visitation is from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM with Mass to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the foundation of your choice or plant a tree in honor of Richard and his love of the outdoors.

Queen of Apostles Catholic Church

N35 W23360 Capitol Drive

Pewaukee, WI 53072

Map

Thursday 8/31, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Queen of Apostles Catholic Church

N35 W23360 Capitol Drive

Pewaukee, WI 53072

Map

Thursday 8/31, 12:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the foundation of your choice or plant a tree in honor of Richard and his love of the outdoors.

March 16, 1939 – August 20th, 2023 Richard J. Grybush, 84, of Pewaukee WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 20th, 2023. Richard is survived by the love of his life of 62 years, Mary (Prince), his children, Melissa (Peter) Fichtner, Janette (Tim) Faul, Anthony (Daphne) Grybush, Renee (Gene) Nagler, Sue (Dennis) Weishan,Continue Reading

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Hi Aunt Meme and the whole Grybush clan, I'm sorry for Uncle Dick's passing. His love of the outdoors will never be forgotten. Mike wishes to send his condolences too. We're both sorry and with much regret that we're unable to make it to the funeral. You'll always be in our hearts. Hopefully, in the future, we can get together to share memories of those who are still here and those who have left us.

You will be missed at our rock club meetings and adventures.

Rest in Peace Dick! You’ll be missed at many knap-ins !!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Richard J. Grybush

Brookfield

Brown Deer Road

Capitol Drive

New Berlin