Richard William Pitzner
September 19, 1946 - March 09, 2019
Obituary
Pitzner, Richard W.
Madison- Richard W. Pitzner, age 72, passed away on March 9, 2019 at home. He was born on Sept. 19, 1946 in Fond du Lac, WI, the son of Robert and Almira Pitzner. He married Ricki Pitzner on Jan. 4, 1998. Richard graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond Du Lac in 1964, earning first team Fox Valley Conference in basketball. After completing high school, he then received his bachelor’s in business at UW- Madison in 1968, and his MBA in 1969. Richard won the National Elijah Sells Award for top score nationally in the CPA exam. He received his law degree from UW in 1972 and was a loyal partner at Murphy Desmond Law Firm for forty years and Dewitt Law Firm for four years. Richard was an avid golfer, number one badger fan and most importantly, grandfather. Richard is survived by his wife, Ricki; daughter, Christie Pitzner(John) Lalande; and their children, Ellie and Caroline; son, Kyle Richard (Michelle) Pitzner; and their children Ansley and Walt; step-children, Robert (Teresa)Swader and Robin (Mike) Kostelnik; brothers, Steve and John Pitzner. A celebration of life will be held at the Nakoma Country Club on Friday, March 15, 2019 with a gathering from 10am to noon with lunch to follow. A time of sharing will begin at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Family children’s Hospital, UWHealthKids.org/donateafch in honor of Richard Pitzner which has always been his favorite charity to support. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Fri Mar 15, 2019 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Nakoma Country Club • 4145 Country Club Road, Madison, WI
Photos
No photos of Richard have been shared yet.
Memories
PC
Pam Carrico
Other •
I am so sorry for your family's loss. I worked occasionally with Dick at Murphy Desmond and enjoyed it immensely. He was a tough attorney but full of knowledge and taught me quite a bit in the few times I got to work with him. He will be truly missed. Sending prayers to the family for strength during this time.
Pam Carrico
ER
Ed Reisner
Other •
Dick was my law school classmate. "Brilliant" underestimates his intelligence. I will never forget his spirited debates with our Taxation professor, Shirley Abrahamson.
CQ
Chris Queram
Other •
I was literally stunned -- and immensely saddened -- to read of Dick's passing in the paper this morning. He was a periodic golfing companion for the 25 or so years that we both belonged to Nakoma Golf Club. While it has been some time since we last played together, Dick always had time for a greeting and a quick comparison of handicaps. I wish to send heartfelt condolences to Dick's family and pray that your faith, friends and memories help sustain you through this difficult time. Chris Queram
JH
Julie Henige
Other •
Dick was my parents attorney for over 40 years. They shared a special friendship outside of the business dealings as well. He was so supportive to all of us with my father’s passing and a strong advocate in facilitating his estate. My parents enjoyed Being Badger Badketball fans with him as well. He will be missed, but he will be in good company in heaven above. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Julie Henige ( Strang)
CF
Cate Furay
Other •
Dick was a trusted partner and cherished counselor. He was always honest and direct - even when we sometimes disagreed. As I told him, he was also mostly right. His passion for his work never overshadowed his delight in his children and their accomplishments, his love of Ricki and his enjoyment of tee times. He always made time for others and will be sorely missed.
DM
Doug Malmquist
Other •
Dick was one of a kind. Smart, quick witted and understanding of what was important. He served our family for two generations offering the best legal and tax advice. Lastly, I am proud to call him my trusted friend. Rest well Dick as you play tough basketball and scratch golf in heaven.