Full Obituary

RICHARD L. "DICK" ALGER, age 83, of Thorp, passed away at his home, peacefully in his sleep, on Friday, December 6, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in Thorp. Rev. Charles Hiebl will officiate and burial will follow in St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his sons: Randy Alger, Ronald Alger, Russell Alger, Rodney Alger, Roy Alger, Raymond Alger, and his grandson: David Alger. Visitation will be held at Thorp Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 from 4pm until 8pm, with a 7pm rosary service, and again at the church, on Wednesday, from 9:30am until time of service.
Richard Lorenz Alger was born on November 17, 1930 in rural Thorp, WI, the son of Sidney and Louise (Anton) Alger. Dick was on the family farm and attended a one-room school house until the eighth grade. At this time he began working on the family farm. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. Dick returned to Thorp and was united in marriage to Rosella Mae Dulek at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, in Thorp, on November 28, 1953. Over the years, in addition to farming, Dick worked at Larson's Feed Mill, Thorp Telephone Company, Stanley Corporation, and drove school bus for Rosemeyer's Bus Service for many years.
He was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig's Catholic Church, the Thorp American Legion Post #118, and the Thorp Knights of Columbus Queen of Peace Council #4634.
Dick truly loved life. He enjoyed fishing, sight-seeing, music, singing, loved a good steak, but was happiest when he was in the company of his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Rosie, of Thorp; 9 children: Randy Alger of Thorp, Rita Heiser of Beemer, NE, Ronald (Cindy) Alger of Thorp, Renee (Allen) Marek of Thorp, Russell (Mitzy) Alger of Thorp, Rodney (Lori) Alger of Thorp, Roy Alger of Thorp, Raymond Alger of Thorp, Rhonda (James) Garbisch of Stanley; 26 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 8 siblings: Jack Alger of St. Paul, MN, Arlene (Norbert) Seichter of Boyd, Ken (Betty) Alger of Thorp, Bill (Maxine) Alger of North Branch, MN, Joanne Ruff of Milwaukee, Jeanne Stelter of Milwaukee, Carol (David) Teclaw of Shorewood, MN, Jerry (Sue) Alger of Mukwonago; one sister-in-law: Lorraine Alger of Thorp; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter: Tracy Alger; one son-in-law: Brian Heiser; one brother: Sidney Alger; one sister: Sandy Erickson; and his best friend, George Burzinski.
Thank you for your support, your guidance, your strength and your love. Thank you for sharing the joys, the pains, and the silences. Words cannot explain how much you are appreciated and loved. You truly are the greatest man we have ever known. You are forever in our hearts.