Richard "Dick" Hobbs' Obituary
While Richard Hobbs (Dick, as everyone knew him) passed before any of us were ready, and
unfortunately for us, we found the dream team of doctors mere hours too late. He passed away
on November 11, 2023 surrounded by his family.
Dick was born on June 4, 1945 in Oshkosh to Harold Sr. and Rosalie (Monroe) Hobbs. Both his
Mother and Father greeted him with love and excitement in Heaven. Also waiting in Heaven
were his life-long friends Dick and Billie Schrank (Rockford, IL) and his dogs Sandy and Brindle.
His father, Harold was taken much too young, leaving his mother, Rosalie, and brother, Harold
Jr., and himself behind. He often talked about how he watched his mother work multiple jobs to
make ends meet, which left a lasting impression on how he wanted to raise and care for his own
family.
After the death of his father, he and his big brother Harold grew up quickly and for better or
worse, they looked out for each other, even if it was in the middle of a cornfield, skipping school
for a month.
Dick enjoyed a childhood on “the wrong side of the tracks,” in the 50’s and 60’s known as
Nordheim. But he lovingly remembered those days in the old neighborhood which is where he
met the love of his life, Billie Van Malsen (or Rae as he always called her), he immediately knew
he wanted to take care of her. As he jokingly said, he fell in love with her hair. But we all knew it
was much more than that. Dick and Billie were married on December 21, 1966. They went on
to raise two daughters and six grandchildren.
Dick proudly served in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1966-1968. He was
stationed at Fort Sill, OK where he trained soldiers in artillery combat. He was bestowed an
angel during his time there that kept him from being shipped overseas. And for that angel, we
are truly grateful.
Dick and Billie welcomed Billie’s younger sister Robin into their home. Dick stepped in as the
father figure she needed. As Robin said it best, “thank you for being my dad when I needed
one.”
In Dick’s younger years he loved to race cars and his love of cars continued throughout his life.
He was a classic car enthusiast. Some of his happiest days were spent cruising in whatever car
was lucky enough to have him as its owner. The ‘55 Chevy was one of his favorites, but he
graduated to the Corvette in his retirement.
One of his favorite trips was when Nicole and her family took him to drive his own car on a
Nascar racetrack in Vegas for his 70th birthday.
He was a hard-worker and had a long career in the water conditioning business. He retired from
Culligan in 2012 and has since enjoyed time with his family.
Dick was known for his no nonsense attitude and conservative viewpoints. You couldn’t walk
into his house without the news being on and making sure you knew exactly what was
happening in the world of politics.
You always knew where you stood with Dick, and if you did anything half-way, he’d be sure to let
you know.
He was always there for Jodi, Mike, Nicole and Gary, whether it was gutting an old house,
moving, or painting whatever room that needed painting, helping take care of his grand-kids,
cutting our grass or snow blowing our driveway, he was always there. We always knew we could
count on Dad.
Dick was a loyal and faithful husband and family man who always did the right thing.
Towards the end of his life, he joined the Catholic Church with Billie and never missed a week.
Even if he wasn’t feeling the best, he still insisted on being there.
Dick is survived by his loving wife Billie, his two daughters, Jodi (Mike) Blank of Neenah, Nicole
(Gary) Meyer, Neenah; a brother Harold Jr. (Judy) Hobbs of Appleton; his grandchildren,
Braiden, Rylin, Liz, Alex, Colton and Nora. He is further survived by sister-in-law Robin (Rob)
Thayer, and many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dick loved his wife, his brother, sister-in-law, his kids, his grandkids - his family, his corvette, and
his church. His life, though taken before he was ready, was full and he’ll always be remembered
for taking care of his family.
A Christian Mass will be celebrated for Dick on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 12:00 pm in St.
Peter’s Parish Most Blessed Sacrament, 435 High St., in Oshkosh with Father Jerry as
celebrant. A time of visitation will be held at church prior to the mass starting at 10:00 am until
the time of Mass, followed by military honors.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?