Rick Haegele

After a long battle with cancer, Herbert Lee Schwechel, aka Rick Haegele, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 11, 1958, in Milwaukee to the late Joyce Schwechel. Upon his birth, Herbert was placed into the care of the Lutheran Children’s Friends Society Orphanage. He was adopted and raised with love by his parents, Joyce and Richard Haegele in Algoma, Wisconsin, and attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and Algoma High School, graduating with the class of 1976. Upon graduation, Rick served in the U.S. Air Force for six years. He attended U.W. Madison for radiologic technology and later St. Luke’s of Milwaukee for certification in diagnostic ultrasound. He also received a B.A. Degree in business from Lakeland College. Rick worked at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital for many years where he met the love of his life, Susan Mary Wilz. They were married in Green Bay on September 11, 1987, and have two children, Derek and Sarah. Later in his life, Rick was blessed to be reunited with his biological family members.

He enjoyed the outdoors - spending much time at the family cabin up north. He also loved coaching Special Olympics and came to see that as a high point in his life. Rick enjoyed wintering in Florida, even though he never figured out how to catch fish down there.

Rick is survived by his wife, Sue, children, Derek Haegele, of Green Bay, and Sarah (Kevin) Martinson, of Green Bay. He is further survived by his sister, Lori (Bill) Schuerman, of Jacksonville, FL, along with many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his birth mother and parents, Richard and Joyce, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He fought the battle and won the race. Today he stands in glory before his Savior in Heaven.

Family and friends may gather on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave., De Pere. Visitation will continue Friday, October 2, 2026, beginning at 9:30 am at Hope Lutheran Church, 700 Superior St., De Pere, with a service to follow at 11:30 am, Pastor Matt Baye officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations will be dispersed in Rick’s honor to The Green Bay Metros Special Olympics and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, organizations important to his children.

The family would like to thank Froedtert Hospital Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center of Rochester, and Meng Unity Hospice for their support during Rick’s health journey. Special thanks to family, friends, and Hope Lutheran Church. Your support and love throughout Rick’s life and in his final moments was a blessing.