Richard D. “Rich” Probst, age 77 of Shullsburg, passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018 at Southwest Health in Platteville. He was born Sept. 28, 1940 in Hazel Green, the son of Ambrose and Gertrude (Doyle) Probst. Rich graduated from Benton High School in 1958. He was united in marriage to Clara A. Gensler on April 15, 1961 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Shullsburg. Rich lived in Benton until moving to Shullsburg in 1961 where he has resided since. He worked for Gensler Incorporated in Shullsburg hauling mining products from Eagle Pitcher Mines south of Shullsburg. He later worked for Truck Country in Dubuque, Iowa as a parts salesman. He then transferred to Truck Country in Shullsburg as parts manager. Rich retired from Lands End in Dodgeville in 2002.
Rich is survived by his wife Clara at home; two daughters: Penny (Chris) Byrne of Oregon, and Paula (Nick) Holland of rural Shullsburg; one son: Patrick (fiancée: Karen Biernat) Probst of Waukesha; six grandchildren: Emily and Paul Byrne, Thomas Probst, and Jacob (Ashley), Anna, and Cora Holland; twin great-granddaughters: Aubree and Adalynn Holland; two brothers: Bill Probst of Shullsburg and Donald Probst of Maryland; and one sister: Mary L. (Skip) Lawrence of Shullsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Paul and David Probst; and his mother and father-in-law: Arden (Connie) Gensler.
Rich was a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Shullsburg and a past member of the Shullsburg Fire Department. He enjoyed playing euchre and cribbage with his brothers, spending time at Rocky’s in Benton, and loved going on family vacations out West. Rich truly enjoyed spending time outside on his front porch with Clara and their beloved dog Ollie. He cherished the time he spent with his family and the memories they created together. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Jan. 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church (344 N. Judgement Street, Shullsburg) where Rev. Joji Reddy of Holy Rosary Catholic Church officiated. A visitation was held Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (235 N. Judgement Street, Shullsburg) where a prayer service was held at 6:00 p.m. A visitation was also held Monday, Jan. 8, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.