Herman Reschke

Madison—Herman J. Reschke, 92, formerly of Fond du Lac and Appleton, passed away peacefully on September 8, surrounded by his children. Herman was born on February 18, 1934, in Fond du Lac to Gladys (McCulloch) Reschke. His father, Herman A. Reschke, had passed away before his birth.   

Herman graduated from Goodrich High School (Fond du Lac) in 1953. He worked at Mercury Marine and G. & L. machine tool company before entering the US Army. He served for two years, mostly stationed in Furth, Germany, where he met Hildegard (Hilde) Geiger. They were married in Furth on May 19, 1956. Shortly afterward, they relocated to Fond du Lac, where they started a family. 

Herman attended Wisconsin State College–Oshkosh and graduated in 1962. The family then moved to Appleton when Herman got a job at Freedom High School, where he taught biology until his retirement in 1994. He also worked part-time at McKinley’s Appliances in Appleton and as a driver’s education instructor for the Kaukauna School District.   

Herman and Hilde raised three children and were longtime members of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Appleton. While his children were young, he served as a Cub Scout den leader, a girls’ basketball coach, an usher at masses, and a member of the St. Pius X school board. Herman and Hilde also volunteered for several years in the German booth at the annual Xavier High School International Food Fair. 

In their later years, Herman and Hilde moved to Madison and were members of St. Peter Catholic Church. He and Hilde enjoyed traveling and loved being grandparents. Herman was an active golfer and a keen reader for many years, and until the end of his life he was always up for a game of cribbage. He made many friends while residing at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge in Madison and remained active in multiple card groups there. He was an avid viewer of many sports and a passionate fan of the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman Sr. and Gladys; his wife of 64 years, Hilde; his brothers Ken, Fred, and Rogers and sister Lorraine (Tynan); as well as other relatives, in-laws, and friends. 

He is survived by his children Lance (Sheila), Minnetonka, MN; Mark, Chicago, IL; and Sonja, Madison. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jenny (Chris LeGrand), Tri, Andrew, and Fernando and other friends and relative including his good friend in Madison, Tom Raymaker.

The family is grateful to the staff at Bristol Hospice and Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge for compassionate care. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oakwood Foundation (https://www.oakwoodvillage.net/support).