Richard Grobschmidt, 68, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2016.

He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Barbara Grobschmidt; daughter, Tamara Grobschmidt; son-in-law, John German; granddaughter, Josie; father, Chester Grobschmidt; sister, Karen Southerlin (Bo); sister-in-law, Patti Kunkel; nephews Brian (Kelly) and Greg Orozco, Dustin (Jamie) and Ryan Kunkel; step-sisters and brothers of the Schweitzer Family, many special cousins and lifelong friends.

Preceded in death by his mother, Leone Grobschmidt; step-mother, Lorraine (Schweitzer) Grobschmidt; and brother-in-law, Ronald Troyer.

Rick Grobschmidt graduated from South Milwaukee Senior High School. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, he taught US History and Government at South Milwaukee Senior High School. He went on to complete his Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Rick was a lifelong community advocate for the City of South Milwaukee and surrounding communities. He successfully ran for the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1984 in a highly contested special election. Rick went on to serve in the Wisconsin State Senate. He was respected for his rare ability to work closely with members of both parties of the legislature. Following his passion for education issues, he then went on to work as the Assistant State Superintendent of Schools for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction where he focused on early childhood, technology and libraries.

Rick lived his life in public service, always guided by his concern for others. Throughout both his work and personal life, he cultivated many lifelong friendships that were an important part of his life.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 29. Visitation at 8:30-11:00 AM, Mass at 11:00 AM at Divine Mercy, 800 Marquette Avenue, South Milwaukee, followed by burial at Forest Hill Memorial Park, Oak Creek

In lieu of flowers, please honor Rick by making donations to "The Educational Charitable Fund in Memory of Richard Grobschmidt" for scholarships for students interested in community activism and public service, or The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation www.NETRF.org.

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