Erwin Rich

Erwin (Frank) Rich, age 94, of Oshkosh, WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2014.He was born on July 3, 1919 to Loyal and Laura (Hopkins) Rich in Poy Sippi, WI.Frank was preceded in death by four brothers, Ernest (Mary Waite), Loyal (Regina Fox), Arthur (Carl) (Mildred Beauchamps), and Lawrence Rich; three sisters, Florence (Herbert) Stemper, Irma (Steven) Jacobs, Margaret (Heirs); and a first wife Anita. His education was extensive, including: Navy Hospital Corps, Bethesda, MD, and School of hospital administration, Lake Forest College, University of Houston, Kenosha Technical College. In 1947 Frank married Anita Thomas and they shared 34 wonderful years together until her death. They had two daughters, Suzanne (Rich) and Marjorie (Gary) Paulauskas of Kenosha. In 1982 he married Sandra Scray of De Pere, Wisconsin. They spent 31 years entirely devoted to one another. They enjoyed traveling, both round and square dancing, and cribbage as well.Frank entered the military (Navy) in December, 1937. In 1941 he was promoted to 1st class as a naval pharmacist on the U.S.S Lexington. In 1942, during the battle of the Coral Sea, Frank had survived the sinking of the ship and there after referred to himself as, The Ship Wrecked Sailor of the South Seas. He retired as a commissioned Chief Warrant Officer and Civilian Employee at the National Space Center in Houston Texas for five years. Frank also was an active member of the U.S. Navy Memorial Mission.Additional survivors include one sister, Olive (June) Nemath; three grand children, Abraham (Lisa), Andrew, Emily; three great grand children, Raina, Kevin, and Gavin.He was an amazingly positive and forthright person and was an avid bowler also.In the constant loving care of his wife Sandra, he fought a courageous battle with cancer. During the last six days of his precious life he was surrounded with overwhelming kindness and care at Bethel Home (Unit 2, West). Services will take place Saturday, February 22, at Konrad-Behlman Westside. Visitation will be from 1pm until service time at 3pm, with Janet Gudex officiating. Interment will take place at Omro Cemetery.

Omro Cemetery



Highway 21
Omro
WI
54963






Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

00:00.0
1:00 p.m. - service



Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

00:00.0
3:00 p.m.