Age 86, found peace, surrounded by family as he died on Thursday, January 21st, 2016. Richard was born on November 21, 1929 to Robert and Marie (Beck) Presser. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Mary Therese (Kaufman), siblings Donald (Marion) Presser, and Shirley (Donald) Peterson. Beloved father of Christy (Gerry Holgerson) Presser, the late Bryan Presser, Rosemary (David Schwid) Presser, Joe (Carrie) Presser, Karla (Randy) Klaybor, Tom (Stephane Hartl) Presser, Kelly (Jason Dudley) Presser. Loving Grandfather to Jonathon and Devin Horne. (Father Scott Horne and good friend to the family) Leah and Kelly Klaybor. Steven (Katy), Michael, Jaime, and Bryan Presser. Dana and Luke Presser Holgerson. Eva and Mia Presser Dudley. Liam and Ella Presser. Born in West Allis, Richard graduated Pius High School. He began his career in 1947 at Ladish Co. in Cudahy, and took a leave of absence to serve in the Army. After 6 years in Germany he returned to Ladish where he met Mary Therese. They married on August 20th, 1955 and raised their 6 children in South Milwaukee.

Richard became very active in the Machinist Union through Ladish; first as a shop Steward and later President of the Local 1862. He was promoted to a full time Business Representative in 1967 and in 1981 was elected Directing Business Representative of the Machinist Union District 10, a position he held unopposed for 13 years. He served on many boards in various capacities; The Executive Board of the State AFL-CIO, President of the Wisconsin Action Coalition (Now called Citizen Action of Wisconsin), on the board of directors of the Guide Dogs of America, member of the Wisconsin School for Workers, and on the Wisconsin Labor Management Council, to name just a few.

He dedicated his professional life to improving workers’ rights, and social justice for all. On June 4th, 1994 he ended his 46-year career as a key figure in the Wisconsin Labor Movement – a day named Richard Presser Day by the mayor of Milwaukee. He enjoyed traveling throughout the years and may have visited a casino here and there, but Richard loved nothing more than to have his house filled with his entire family for swimming and barbeques. To anyone that knew him, he was a shining example of love and dedication to his family. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Citizen Action of Wisconsin.

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