Richard Anthony Smrz

Richard Anthony Smrz, 87, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026.

Richard was born and raised in Rudolph, Wisconsin, to William and Clara Smrz. He grew up alongside his sister, Rita Reffner of Madison. He graduated from Rudolph High School in 1957, served in the United States Army Reserves, and earned a bachelor’s degree in archaeology from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. He was married twice and worked for more than 40 years at Consolidated Papers in Wisconsin Rapids.

Richard loved to travel, golf, play chess, and listen to polka music. Through his love of polka music he met his longtime partner, Dolores Connell, later in life.

Richard’s life was filled with adventures and interests that reflected his curiosity and willingness to try just about anything. He learned to fly a plane, drove a Mustang convertible, bowled, played the squeezebox, and recorded local high school sporting events. He was also a dedicated volunteer at Historic Point Basse, a living history community where he portrayed a French pioneer in reenactments. In 2005, he was honored as Historic Point Basse’s Citizen of the Year.

Quirky, funny, and full of surprises, Richard lived life on his own terms. He was always willing to try something new—even parasailing with his grandchildren—and remained nearly unbeatable at chess to the very end.

Known for a dry sense of humor and unexpected remarks that sent a room into laughter. Even in his final days, when asked how he was feeling, he would respond, “With my hands,” or simply, “Fair to Midland.” Goofy, determined, and wonderfully set in his ways, his grandchild enjoyed a lifetimes of stories shared that left them colorful, lasting memories of his life's adventures.

During the final five years of his life, Richard lived in a care community in Baldwin as he experienced the effects of dementia. While those years brought change, they were only one chapter in a long and colorful life. His family will remember him for his curiosity, humor, determination, and an unmistakable ability to keep everyone guessing.

Richard is survived by his three children, Laurie Smrz-Schumacher (Mike) ,Todd Smrz (Tricia), and Bryan Smrz (Julie); his grandchildren, Kailin Martin (Joey), Kendra Boone (Sam), Bryce Schumacher, Aaron Smrz (Madison), Makenzie Smrz, Racquel Vaske (Kyle), Brandon Smrz (Allison), Conor Smrz, and Carson Smrz (Kate); his great-grandchildren, Jaylen and Kasey Vaske; and his sister, Rita Reffner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Clara Smrz, stepmother Marie all of Rudolph, Wisconsin, and his longtime partner, Dolores Connell.

A private memorial gathering with immediate family will take place this fall.

Cremation services are entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725.