Richard “Dick” Promer
Richard Herman Promer, 79, died peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2023. Dick was born on June 21, 1944, in Oakland, California, to Ethel (Gussert) and Robert Promer. One of five siblings, he graduated in 1963 from Kaukauna High School. He married his high school sweetheart Jean Ann Schmitz on April 21, 1965. They lived in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, with their three sons.
He’s survived by his wife Jean; his three sons Jeff (Tricia), Rick and Cory; three grandchildren Jennifer Ryan (Ken), Tyler (Annie) and Hunter (fiancé Katelyn); three great-grandchildren Amelia, Lochlan and Hallie; siblings Don Promer, Marlene Tennessen (Gene Kostrzak) and Mary Biesterveld; as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Dick is preceded in death by his grandparents Rosella (Baetan) and Edward Gussert along with Mary (DeBruin) and Herman Promer; his parents Robert and Ethel; his brother Robert “Bobby” Promer Jr.; his sister-in-law Rachel Promer; his brother-in-law Dan Biesterveld and his sister-in-law Jo Schmitz.
He was owner of Dick Promer Drywall for sixty years and started the first health club in Kaukauna “Physically Fit”. Sports and fitness were his passion. He was a decorated football player, having been inducted into the Kaukauna High School Football Hall of Fame, the Manitowoc Chiefs Hall of Fame and the Semi Pro Football Hall of Fame. He served for years on the Kaukauna Alumni Board of Directors. He and Jean moved full-time to their cottage in Townsend, Wisconsin. Dick also enjoyed golf, deer hunting and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dick is a 12-year heart transplant survivor. The family thanks all of the family, neighbors, friends and healthcare workers who have cared for Dick both over the years and in his final days.
Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer St., Kaukauna. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Kaukauna. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to the Kaukauna Alumni. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.
