Rick John Hurzeler

Rick J. Hurzeler, 58, of Iron Mountain, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021, at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Rick was born August 26, 1963, in West Allis, WI, the son of Lynn (Spielvogel) and the late Robert Hurzeler. He graduated from Juneau High School in Milwaukee, WI, class of 1981, and on August 4, 1984, he married the love of his life, Donna Bauer in Milwaukee. They met as teenagers while working on a farm together, and the way he looked at her (throughout his entire life) expressed his love for her better than any explanation possibly could. It was an almost non-existent rarity that he found his soulmate at such a young age. Rick and Donna moved to Iron Mountain in 1985, where he began a career that spanned decades at CCI Systems. He started as a CAD operator and worked his way up. Also, upon moving to IM, he joined a softball league, a couples volleyball league, and a couples soccer league. He earned his black belt and began teaching Tai Kwon Do at Teck’s Martial Arts for several years, including instructing his boys. Professionally, he was often seen as an intimidating person, which was hilarious to anyone who actually knew him because he was the biggest softy in the world and almost exclusively watched the Hallmark Channel. A lifelong Packer fan, Rick shared this hobby with his entire family (although his wife was too nervous to actually watch). He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and loved taking hunting trips with his brothers, Bo and Jeff. Most importantly, he loved his family above all else. His passions involved his wife, kids and grandkids, and they became his most important hobbies. He was extremely proud of all of them and dedicated all of his free time to spending time with them. Rick loved to travel and made it a lifelong goal to take as many vacations with his wife and children as possible. He was especially proud to have traveled to Switzerland, but he was especially excited to go anywhere with his kids. Rick also enjoyed playful banter with his family, notably his daughters-in-law, and he became known as “Grandpa-razzi'' (as in paparazzi) after taking non-stop pictures of his family (especially his grandchildren). He was a notorious “photo bomber.” This year he was excited to have been able to have a house built near his son, Nick, and family in North Carolina. While he hated to leave his other kids and grandson, he couldn’t wait to get back to NC. Rick was the best husband, dad and grandpa, dropping anything he was doing to make any of them happy. He was selfless and spent his entire life giving to others, especially his family, and making them happy, however possible. All of the decisions he made outside of work were based on what would make those around him happy. To his children he was a hero, and in their opinion, possessed every possible amazing trait a father could have. Along with his wife, Donna, he is survived by his mother, Lynn; children, Nick (Christina), Luke (Naomi), and Eric (Sydnee); sister, Mary (Scott) Hocking; brothers (with whom he was a fierce competitor, which carried over in to every aspect of his life), Robert “Bo” (Carrie) and Jeff (Kimmie); sister-in-law, Sue; grandchildren, Anna, Liam and Rickey; and his good friends, Ken and Jodi, with whom he loved spending time. Rick was preceded in death by his father, Bob, and a brother, Brian. Visitation will be held Friday, December 31, 2021, from 9:00 am - 10:30 am at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Prayers will be recited Friday at 10:30 am at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, 11:00 am, at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation at https://donate.epilepsy.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=747 Condolences may be expressed to the family of Rick J. Hurzeler online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Rick John Hurzeler

August 26, 1963 - December 26, 2021