Richard D. "Rick" Briggs

Richard “Rick” Briggs was born to Eternal Life on April 25, 2014, at the age of 63 years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2014, 5PM at St. Francis Borgia South Catholic Church, in Cedarburg. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, from 4-7PM at the Mueller Funeral Home, in Cedarburg. Rick was born on August 31, 1950, in Santa Cruz, California. He was the fourth child in a family of eight. His family moved around a lot before coming to reside in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Rick graduated from Hamilton High School in 1969, and shortly after his graduation, he joined the United States Army. Rick served two tours in Vietnam from 1969 until 1972. After his honorable discharge, from the United States Army, he returned home and continued his education at MATC, in Milwaukee, earning his associates degree in heating and refrigeration. Rick was united in marriage to Linda Koepsel, on July 10, 1976, in Hubertus, Wisconisn. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters with whom he adored. Rick and Linda finally settled in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, in 1989, to raise their family. Rick was employed by A.O. Smith, in Milwaukee, and then Tower Automotive, for 30 years, until he retired in 2006. Rick had a calm and gentle presence about him. He was always hardworking, honest, and genuine. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He loved taking walks, spending time with his family, especially his six grandchildren, hitting golf balls, doing crossword puzzles, and playing games. He always had a sense of humor and loved to tease. Rick had a way of making people smile and always had a twinkle in his bright blue eyes. He had such a good heart and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Rick is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Linda (nee Koepsel) Briggs. Amazing and adored father of daughters, Nicole (David) Meyer, Mary (Jamey) Commons, and Ericka (Adam) Ruck. Playful grandpa of Tyler, Ashley, Joshua, and Alaina Commons; and Daniel and Johann Meyer. Dear son of Lillian and the late Earl Briggs. Special son-in-law of Alice and the late Henry Koepsel. Cherished brother of James (Bonnie), William (Kathy) John (Cindy), Michael (Jean), Susan (Herb) Cruz, Linda (Gary) Briggs-Dineen, Mary (Carol) (the late Raymond Sedlachek) Briggs-Sedlachek. Loved brother-in-law of Randall (Ann) Koepsel. Rick is further survived by nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends. The family would like to especially thank all of the staff at Serenity Villa, in Slinger, for all of the wonderful care, help, and support, over the last year and a half. It is greatly appreciated and you will never be forgotten.