Richard H. Demler, "Honk" "Sonny" of Oshkosh passed away on Wednesday August 22, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center. He was born on February 27, 1928 the son of the late John and Louise Pechman Demler. On April 19, 1952 Richard married Lenore Biesinger in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He served his country in The U.S. Navy. He was preveously employed at Oshkosh 'B Gosh and later at the city of Oshkosh retireing from the Sanitation Department in 1990.

Richard loved the outdoors and in his younger years played hockey for the Oshkosh Yellowjackets. He went on to play fast pitch baseball for Red's Pizza and Mueller Shell. He was inducted into the Oshkosh Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992. He also played Dartball for many yearsretireing in 2011 at the age of 83 after he and his team buddies took first place. Although he never had a drviers license, he was allways seen riding his bike to get where he needed to go. A place that was special to him was "down the river" at his brother Rob's boathouse. His favorite pasttime was spending time with his family. They were everything to him.

Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years Lenore Demler, one son; Richard (Susan) Demler, one daughter; Kathy (Rick) Kirsch, four grandchildren; Dan, Rob Demler, Ryan, Kari Kirsch, five sisters; Genevieve "Gen" Brans, Omro, Margaret "Margie" Volkman, Rose "Dolly" Weitz, Marie Dickey, Fond du Lac, Marcella "Marcie" (Herbert) Ziebell. Richard is further by survived by many sisters-in law, brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; John and Louise Demler, six brothers; Joe, Al, Rob, Clifford "Speed" Harry, John, two sisters; Ceil Eichman, and Elizabeth "Betty" Gerth.

Richard's family would like to thank Dr. K. Ringwala, Nurse Kathy, and staff at Dr. Ringwala's office. Thank you also to Dr. K. Gremminger, Dr. Davis, and staff at Fox Vally Hematology and oncology. A special thank you to the staff and nurses of PCU-1 at Mercy Medical Center. Your special care, kindness and compassion was a great comfort to us, and also to Fr. Bill Van DeKreeke for your visits and prayers. They meant so much to Dad.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday August 27, at 11:00AM in St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church ( St. Vincent Site) with the Rev. William Van DeKreeke officiating . Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.