Richard “Rich” L. Freeze, 74, of Plymouth, passed away peacefully following a battle with
dementia on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Rich was born on March 28, 1950, in Fond du Lac, Wis.,
the son of the late Victor and Joyce (Weigert) Freeze.
Rich attended St. John’s Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Plymouth High School in
1969. On May 22, 1976, he married Virginia “Jeanne” Meyer in Plymouth. The couple made
their home in Plymouth.
Rich and Jeanne were the first husband-and-wife DJ duo in Sheboygan County. For 35 years,
they entertained countless people with their eclectic mix of music, transitioning from records to
tapes, CDs, and eventually digital formats.
Rich and Jeanne became beloved figures at weddings, festivals, car shows, and the Sheboygan
County Fair. They were known for their lively and engaging performances, including the famous
Chicken Dance. Rich and Jeanne’s playful banter and shoutouts brought joy and fun to every
event, creating lasting memories for all who attended.
Friends and family fondly recall visiting Rich's shop, attached to the couple’s Eastern Avenue
garage. The familiar scent of Captain Black pipe tobacco greeted them well before they arrived
at the door. Inside, visitors enjoyed sweet tunes of yesteryear, warm hospitality, and likely a
Hamm's beer, often accompanied by a tambourine or a stump fiddle, creating a warm and
inviting atmosphere that perfectly reflected Rich's generous spirit.
In retirement, Rich discovered a new passion for music by learning to play the banjo. His
dedication to mastering the instrument was evident in the hours he spent practicing. Though
his efforts were heartfelt and appreciated, there were limits to our listening. Rich's banjo
playing became another facet of his love for music, adding to the legacy of warmth and
entertainment he and Jeanne had created together.
Rich is survived by the couple’s three daughters, who, despite not always appreciating their
parents’ public shoutouts, including their matchmaking attempts, were proud of their
contributions to the community and the joy they spread through their music. Rich’s legacy will
continue to resonate in the hearts of those he and Jeanne entertained and the community they
touched.
In addition to his passion for music, Rich was a dedicated employee of Sargento Cheese for 42
years. He took immense pride in his work, embodying the spirit of hard work and loyalty. Rich's
commitment to his job and the camaraderie he shared with his coworkers made him a valued
member of the Sargento family.
Survivors include his wife Jeanne of Plymouth; three daughters, Jennifer (Mike) Lauer of Elkhart
Lake, Amy Freeze of Milwaukee, and Wendy (Nicholas) Thielmann of Valders; three
grandchildren, Gavin Freeze (special friend Rachel), Hayden Lauer, and Jack Hinkley; one sister,
Kathy (Ron Rosenbaum) of St. Cloud; seven brothers- and sisters-in-law, Delores Boeckman,
Donald (Sharron) Meyer, Clem Steinhardt, Charlie (Judy) Meyer, Paul Meyer, Gloria Meyer, and
Ethel Meyer. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Carl
(Lu) Freeze, Victor Meyer, Gilbert Meyer, Joseph Meyer, Harold Meyer, Leonard (Marge)
Meyer, Norman (Rita) Meyer, Dorothy (Ival) Grotegut, Jack Steinhardt, Teresa (Leroy) Waack,
Robert Boeckman, Luella (Allen) Mahloch, Kathy Meyer, and granddaughter Addison Lauer.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 9 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a prayer service
to follow at the Suchon Funeral Home, 1317 State Road 67, Plymouth, WI 53073. Inurnment
will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be made to the Plymouth High School Music Department.
Special thanks to the amazing care team at Rocky Knoll and Sharon S. Richardson Hospice.
Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. For online services, visit
www.suchonfh.com
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