Richard J. Bielinski, 84, of Omro, WI and Las Vegas, NV, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012 due to injuries from an automobile accident.
He was born on July 5, 1927 in Milwaukee, WI to the late Alex and Veronica (nee Chucka) Bielinski. He married Dorothy A. Edwards on November 25, 1948. She preceded him in death on August 9, 1987.
Richard was a hard working man who loved his family. You could always find him in his workshop fixing something, relaxing on his beloved "Queen Bie" houseboat, or playing a game of gin rummy with friends. He was a jack-of-all-trades and did everything from beekeeping and running a cafe with his brother, Joe, to being a fix-it man, managing movie theatres, and selling cars and advertising. He was proud of being named the salesman of the decade (1960's) by National Merchandising Co. of Green Bay. In 1972 he and his wife, Dorothy, founded Creative Marketing of America, the famous yellow and black phone book covers. He enjoyed the challenge of making a sale and meeting new clients, most of whom became friends. He could sell an icebox to an Eskimo. After his 'retirement' to Weslaco, Texas, he took up painting, pottery, and was always the star of their annual musical productions. He was proudest of his role as Tevya in Fiddler on the Roof.
He was a Navy WWII veteran, a member of the Knights of Columbus-West Bend Council 4th degree, and past president of the Slinger-Allenton Rotary Club.
He is survived by three children, Joseph (Ann) Bielinski of Appleton, WI, Kathleen (Samuel) Standfield of Duluth, MN, Patricia (Mark) Hauser, of Jackson, WI; seven grandchildren, Sarah (Keith) Savage of Verona, WI, Alex (special friend Megan Krug) Bielinski of Chicago, IL, Laura (special friend Jeremy Yenser) Bielinski of Watertown, WI, Jason (Christy) Standfield of Tacoma, WA, Amanda Standfield of Tacoma, WA, Jennifer (Ryan) Kunz of Wauwatosa, WI, and Krista (Kevin) Dyreson of Brookfield, WI; four great-grandchildren, Alexis Standfield, Andrew Standfield, Aiden Standfield and baby-to-be Kunz; four sisters, Frances Laskowski of Missouri, Sr. Margaret Mary Bielinski, O.S.B. of Arizona, Marge Van Ryzin of New Jersey, and Mary Wyatt of California; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Bielinski, and his special nephew, John Bielinski; other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Edward, Joseph, and George.
A Memorial Mass in remembrance of Richard will be held on Wednesday, May 30 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 1025 S. 7th Ave., West Bend, WI. Visitation will be at the church from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. A private burial of Richard's cremated remains will be in Southern Wisconsin Veteran's Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Richard's memory to Mothers Against Drunk Driving-Wisconsin Chapter, or a charity of the donor's choice.
The family wishes to give special thanks to all of the good Samaritans who helped at the accident scene, the first responders, the Winnebago County Sheriff and Oshkosh police, the County Coroner, and all of the caring people with ThedaStar and Theda Clark, and Aurora Hospital.