Richard “Rick” Gudex, 48, of Fond du Lac went peacefully to his heavenly home Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. He was born in Fond du Lac on July 23, 1968, the son of Donald and Diane (nee Stoffel) Gudex. Rick graduated from St. Mary’s Grade School, Eden and thereafter St. Mary’s Springs High School in 1986.
Rick went on to MPTC from there he excelled in any job he touched, such as Gehl Co. of West Bend in management and Brenner Tank in Fond du Lac. On October 16, 1993.
Rick married Kimberly Wolc at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eden. He worked at Brenner Tank as a production manager for 15 years. He was a member of Holy Family Parish. Rick was elected at age 28 as the Mayor of Mayville and served from 1998 to 2000.
He served on the Eden Village Board for several years and thereafter from 2009 to 2012 was a member of the Fond du Lac City council. He ran for State Senate for the 18th district in 2012 and won, he became Senator Rick Gudex. He focused on jobs while in the Senate, serving as the chairman of the Economic Development & Commerce Committee, the vice chairman of the Workforce Development Committee, and board member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
Rick was the most people caring person, a great model for young people in Wisconsin, to pursue their dreams without compromising their values. Everyone who met him walked away impressed by all his accomplishments, with his warm smile and cheery attitude, always willing to help everyone.
Rick will be greatly missed by his wife Kim, children Jayce and Alexana, parents Don and Diane Gudex of Eden, brother Joel (Nancy) Gudex, sister Breyn (Joe Vitale) Gudex, niece Shauni Gudex, nephews Saul, Skyler and Spencer Gudex, father and mother-in-law Frank and Barb Wolc, brother-in-laws Scott and Troy Wolc, sisters-in-law Lisa Giese and Tammy Wolc, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many other relatives and friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents and godparents Alois and Rita Stoffel, paternal grandparents Loren and Vera Gudex, close uncle and aunt Matt and Helen Klumpyan.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, Oct. 17th at 2:00 PM at Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Church, W1562 Hwy B, Eden. Rev. Mark Jones and Rev. Neil Zinthefer will officiate with cremation to follow.
Visitation will be Monday Oct.17th at the CHURCH from 10:00 AM until time of Mass. Memorials are appreciated to the family.