Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
98 W. Main St.
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419.663.4513
Fax: 419.663.6809
Cell Phone: 419.663.3504
Email: wehfh@eastmanfuneralhome.com
Website: https://www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/norwalk
View All Obituaries from Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
Richard F. Wise, 94, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away Saturday morning, March 5, 2016 in the Willows of Willard, Ohio.
He was born April 14, 1921 in Fremont, Ohio, to the late Frank and Rosina (Swint) Wise, and was a lifelong area resident.
Richard was a 1939 graduate of Monroeville High School where he was a member of the first Monroeville High School football team, and was the first president of the F.F.A. (Future Farmers of America). After high school, Richard worked for the Albright Turkey Farm, and the Avery Paper Mill.
He was an honorary World War II veteran. As part of the 309th Infantry Regiment, where he fought at the Battle of the Bulge, he was was one of the first to cross the Bridge at Remagen over the Rhine River. Although he was wounded in combat, Richard's amazing strength and faith pulled him through, enabling his continued fight for his country. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, a Certificate of Merit from Major General E.P. Parker Jr. and the Bronze Star Medal for bravery. Regarding the war, his only wish was, "that generations to come, won't forget the men who died without their loved ones and buried in places away from their homeland, so that we are able to enjoy the things we have."
After his years of military service, Richard returned to Norwalk where he was a letter carrier for the Norwalk Post Office retiring in 1985. Richard was a proud member of St. Paul Catholic Church, and Firelands Post #2743 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Norwalk, Ohio. He took great pride in his family and his first home, which he personally built in Norwalk in 1956. He enjoyed mechanic work, traveling, riding his bike, tinkering, and staying busy. As a young man, Richard, like his father, enjoyed boxing, and was a fan of the great Rocky Marciano. He was also a proud fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians, and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sporting events, family gatherings, and playing cards.
Richard is survived by his wife of 28 years, Olive J. (Stearn) Wise of Norwalk, Ohio, by his children, Nancy A. (Dan) Szabo of Broadview Heights, Ohio, William R. (Joan) Wise of Willard, Ohio, and James T. (Kate) Wise of Norwalk, Ohio.
He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren, Bridget, Dawn, Brian, Brad, Melissa, Jennifer, James, and Joseph, 13 great grandchildren, and by his sister, Rita (Vincent) Foos of Willard, Ohio. Richard was preceded in death by his first wife of 41 years, Rita (Farmer) Wise in 1986, by his brothers, Raymond, Ambrose (Jake), Eugene (Genie), and Urban (Joe), and by his sisters, Norma Baum, Mary Phillips, and Anna Knoll.
There will be no calling hours. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 East Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio. Rev. Kenneth Morman will officiate. Interment will be in St. Paul Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Firelands Post 27443 Veterans of Foreign Wars, 140 Milan Avenue, Norwalk, Ohio 44857.
Online condolences may be made by going to www.edwalkerefuneralhome.com
