Richard "Rich" F. Heimerl

Richard “Rich” Franklin Heimerl passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family, Friday, March 27, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Rich brought an optimistic outlook to his life that led him on many adventures, always with the love of his life, Cheryl (Kelly). Born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, in 1955 to Richard “Dick” and Darlene Heimerl, Rich was the oldest of five children.  He was raised in the Catholic faith, which remained a steady and guiding presence throughout his life. 

Rich and Cheryl married in 1978 and built a life filled with family, friends, and community. They had three children, Nicole, Cortney, and Kyle while living in La Crosse, and later moved to Portage, Wisconsin. Wherever Rich went, he made friends easily and formed lifelong connections. He especially treasured the “Boys of Summer,” who faithfully gathered together to reconnect every year for more than 40 years.

Rich believed deeply in being a positive force in his community. Shortly after moving to Portage, he and Cheryl founded the Caring Tree, which provided Christmas gifts and food to area children who otherwise might have gone without. What began as a small effort became a lifelong commitment to giving back. Guided by his faith and his belief in caring for others, he devoted his time over the years to St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, coaching and refereeing youth sports, St. Vincent de Paul.  

Rich had an adventurous spirit and felt most at home outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, camper, and explorer. Some of his most memorable trips were out West camping and exploring with Cheryl. He made annual fishing trips to South Dakota with his son, and hosted deer camp on his land each fall. Every spring brought wood-cutting weekends with family and friends, creating years of memories, stories, and traditions that will be cherished for generations. 

Rich was preceded in death by his father, Richard W. Heimerl, and his father-in-law, Glenn Kelly. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl; his children Nicole (Matt Briant) Heimerl, Cortney (Andrew Menchal) Heimerl, and Richard Kyle (Casey) Heimerl; his grandchildren Kellyn Woodworth, Josephine Woodworth, Macyn Woodworth, Jamison Briant, Abraham Menchal, Vivian Heimerl, and Evelyn Heimerl; his mother, Darlene Heimerl; his mother-in-law, Carol (William) Fitzgerald; his sisters Mary (Marcus) Butts, Elizabeth (Jeff Ladd) Heimerl; Patricia (Nathan) Czech, and his brother Phillip (Kathryn) Heimerl.

He lived his life with generosity, humor, and a deep love for the people around him, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  A celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 13 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portage, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., and Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Rich’s family invites you to celebrate the life and legacy of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School. The family would like to thank Janine and Becky, his hospice caregivers, for their compassion and kindness. 

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