Richard Scott Doemel

Richard Rick or Mr. D S. Doemel, age 57, of Oshkosh, died Monday, August 25, 2014 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 23, 1957 in Oshkosh, the son of Ralph and Audrey (Urbanek) Doemel. On July 19, 1997, he married Diana Freiberg in Oshkosh. Rick was a graduate of Oshkosh North High School and attended classes at Fox Valley Technical College. He was a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ. Rick worked at Oshkosh Shipping, was co-founder of We Care, Pet Care and worked at EastBay as a Customer Service Representative. In 1977, Ricks life dramatically changed when he became a quadriplegic as the result of a truck accident. At the time of the accident, he was taken to St Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac. Ironically, Rick passed away at St Agnes . . . the same hospital where his life had changed in 1977. Even though the doctors thought Rick would only live about 15 years due to his injuries, he continued his journey on earth for 37 more years. From 1977-1983 Rick lived in a nursing home but was able to move into his own apartment in 1983. His wife Diana, along with friends, family and numerous caregivers were critical to Ricks care. With their assistance, he worked hard to live as normal a life as possible. Rick was extremely proficient on the computer and could type as fast with a stick in his mouth as most people do with their fingers. Rick was an inspiration to all and genuinely cared about people. He gave back to the community by speaking to high school students and church youth groups about the dangers of not wearing seat belts and drinking and driving. Rick used himself as an example with hopes of preventing similar consequences to other young drivers. Through thick and thin, Rick was the #1 Packer Fan. He loved anything to do with sports including watching the Brewers, hunting and fishing (in his earlier years) playing on the computer and sitting by an open fire. He loved his hot and spicy food and Trails End hot dogs. Despite the many challenges Rick faced in life, he had a great sense of humor, loved to tell jokes and play pranks on friends and family.He is survived by his wife Diana, his siblings, Kathryn Burton, Thomas (Robin) Doemel, Kevin (Michele) Doemel, brothers-in-law Ed (Kathy) Freiberg, Mike (Bonnie) Green, sister-in-law Helen (Darwin) Huettl, his mother-in-law Dolores Freiberg and many wonderful nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews , and his beloved dog and faithful companion, Almond Joy. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, his godparents Art and Viola Weideman, brother-in-law Robert Burton, father-in-law Edgar Freiberg, sisters-in-law Carol Freiberg and Linda Green, and aunts and uncles.A memorial services for Rick will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at noon at Emmanuel United Church of Christ with Rev. Andi Wolf officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Lake View Memorial Park. A memorial has been established to Emmanuel U.C.C. and the Oshkosh Humane Society. The Doemel and Freiberg families would like to thank the many dear friends who faithfully stood by Rick. We also extend special thanks to all the caretakers, nurses, doctors and nursing home staff who cared for Rick throughout his life.

Emmanuel United Church of Christ



1306 Michigan Street
Oshkosh
WI
54902

00:00.0
9 a.m. until noon



Emmanuel United Church of Christ



1306 Michigan Street
Oshkosh
WI
54902

00:00.0
noon