Richard "Mort" J. Piechowski

Richard “Mort” Piechowski, age 74, of Redgranite passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2023.

He was born October 17, 1948, the son of Anton and Ruth (Hess) Piechowski. After graduating from Wautoma High School in 1966, he volunteered to serve his country in the U.S. Navy in 1968. He served as a radio man on the USS Arneb and USS Chilton in the Mediterranean, visiting many countries in Italy, Greece and France. His stories from his time in the service were a favorite at family dinners. He was honorably discharged in 1972 and married the love of his life, Loretta Mastricola, on May 17, 1975. Together they raised two children, whom he taught the value of hard work done well, the importance of service and the joys of nature, laughter and simple pleasures. He was a dedicated and tireless provider for his family, working for 30 years for Alliance Laundry in Ripon. Mort was also a loyal and faithful servant of his community, church and Lord. He served on the Redgranite village board for 21 years, was a regular server and active parishioner at St. Mark’s Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. After retiring, Mort and Loretta enjoyed traveling to national parks and taking in the wonders of nature together. In his spare time, Morty loved tending to his massive yard, golfing, fishing hunting, attending Brewers and Packers games, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He spent the final weeks of his life surrounded by the people he loved and will be deeply missed by all that were lucky enough to know and love him.

Mort is survived by his wife: Loretta; two children: Nick (Jackie) and Anna (Chris Wilcox); three grandchildren: Vincent, Ella Lynn, and Samuel; eight brothers and sisters: Tony (Mary), Rosemary, Sue (John Andrews), Jim (Linda), Jerry (Marlene), Bill (Mary), Dave (Debbie), and Kathy (Tom Shpakow); brother-in-law Jack (Rose) Mastricola; sister-in-law Kaye Lester; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant grandson Jonathan Piechowski.

The family would like to thank all the staff from ThedaCare Hospice for their compassionate care, especially his care team of Angie, Paula, Melissa, and Brittany.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 1, 2023 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Redgranite. Burial with full military honors will follow at the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday in the visitation room at St. Mark’s Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial for Mort has been established for ThedaCare at Home Hospice.