Richard J. Freix, 80, passed away on September 26, 2017 from Alzheimer's disease. He was born April 11, 1937 in Green Bay, WI to the late Henry and Rose (Barta) Freix.

Survivors include his sister, Mariann (Jerome) Leahy. His son, Gregory (Yvonne) Freix, their daughter Clare and son Jackson. His two daughters, Lyneene (James) Harrison, their son Cameron and daughter Ainsley. Liza (Gary) Cook, their son Hunter and daughter Kassee.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Arthur (Ruth) Freix, Joan (Leo) Paral, Ruth (Leo) Ouradnik and Bernard (Esther) Freix.

Richard may have been small in stature but he had a large heart when it came to his family and his beliefs. He always would say how much he loved his mom, his kids and grandkids. He had a strong faith in God and often said "I am not afraid of dying, I am afraid of living". He would also say he knew that when his time came that he will go to heaven.

Richard was also known to others as R.J, K-Bar, Felix, Trickie Dick and Yorkie. He often times would call us by his made up nicknames rather than our given names. He definitely had a way with his words.

He had great pride and cherished his place in the woods in Florence County where he would be as often as he could. He would utilize his "military mind" and come up with unique ways to build things making it as functional as it could be without running water or electricity. One of his biggest loves up at his place were the animals. He had a special place for a deer he named "Molly" and her son "Embie". He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He loved spending time with his family and was especially close to his sister Mariann and her family. He was a simple person with simple ideals. He took the good and bad in life with strength, pride, humility, laughter and kindness.

Goodbye Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Friend and Uncle. Now you can rest from this long time of being ill. Every day you would ask "When can I go home" well, Dad, you are finally there.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all of his "Pals" at Alpha Senior Concepts and Asera Care Hospice. Everyone has been kind, caring and thoughtful for the needs of our Dad and family.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Pfotenhauer Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Howard-Suamico location, 1145 Cardinal Lane on Thursday, October 5, 2017 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Memorial Service 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Father David Hoffman officiating. Online condolences welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers; please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's association to help find a cure for this debilitating disease that affects so many people.