With great sadness, we announce that Richard (Dick) Walz, 68, passed away on November 6th, 2022. Dick fought a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease and passed away peacefully at his Onalaska, WI home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Always in tune with the industry, Dick often told the staff at WalzCraft, “If we listen to our customers, they will take us where we need to go”. He embraced that concept, repeated it often to his Team Members, and with that shared vision worked shoulder to shoulder with them to build WalzCraft into the business it is today.
Dick was born on October 4th, 1954, and was raised on a family farm in Glen Haven, WI. There, he developed a strong work ethic, learned the value of hard work, and began a lifelong passion for woodworking. Dick graduated from Western Technical College (1973) and started his own construction company. In 1982 he started his manufacturing journey at Cabinet Factory Inc. (later renamed WalzCraft) and became the majority owner in 1987. Dick had a passion for providing customers with high-quality products, and a variety of choices. He loved improving a process to give guaranteed results and talking at length with Team Members to make these improvements. Those close to Dick would describe him as an incredible man and a visionary leader who was dedicated to his family and his work at WalzCraft.
Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 31 years, Jane Lynn Walz; his parents Gerald and Anna Marie Walz, and sister SuzAnne Taylor. He is survived by his son Bradley Walz (Britni), two stepsons Jess Dzurko (Ashley) and Ross Dzurko (Lindsey); and six siblings, Barbara Ekblad, Paul Walz, Larry (Joanne) Walz, Tim (Tracy) Walz, Mary Rae Walz, and Michael (Colleen) Walz. Along with five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
During Dick’s long ordeal with Alzheimer’s, his son Bradley was faithfully at his side. In 2020, Bradley became President of WalzCraft after working 16 years with the company, fulfilling Dick’s vision that WalzCraft remains a family-owned company that would continue for years to come.
Dick was dedicated to giving back to the community. He was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of Western Technical College and a Market Leader in the Wood Industry. He was a proud father and grandfather that loved his family more than anything else. While he will be missed dearly, we will forever cherish the time we spent together.
To send an online condolence to the family or to view the service schedule, please visit www.blaschkeschneider.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Dick Walz to the La Crosse Boys and Girls Club.