Racine – Richard G. Metzger, 74, entered into eternal life on January 10, 2012.  He was born in Racine on August 11, 1937, son of the late Fred and Mary Louise (nee: Fiorita) Metzger.  He was united in marriage to Mary McNeil in Racine on July 19, 1969, at Christ Church United Methodist.

Dick graduated from Horlick High School in 1955.  He faithfully served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves.  Dick worked his entire career as a motor tester for the DuMore Corporation in Racine.  He spent many years on the company bowling teams and baseball teams.  Dick was an avid NASCAR fan and could be found cheering on his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon, over the years.  He once took a special trip with his father to see the Indy 500 in person.  Dick loved traveling and treasured his routine trips to Virginia and Las Vegas.  He was an amateur photographer in his free time and also was a fan of jazz music.  He enjoyed some of the greats such as Stan Kenton and Maynard Ferguson.  Dick had a fabulous sense of humor and a personality that could light up a room.  He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

Dick leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 42 years, Mary (Mickie) Metzger of Racine; daughter, Julie Metzger of Milwaukee; brother, William Metzger of Racine; nephews, Fred (Cece) Metzger of Racine, Charles (Laura Wegner) Metzger of Palatine, IL, Michelle (Mark) McNeil Krause of Racine; two great-nephews, Matthew and Maxwell Krause; and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.  In addition to his parents, Dick is preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Gerri Metzger.

A funeral service with Full Military Honors will take place on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 11am, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, with Rev. Ronald O. Crewe officiating. Visitation will be from 10am until the time of the service.  A private interment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ridgewood, the Nursing and Hospice staff at Wheaton Franciscan, and the staff of DaVita, who all gave so much of themselves while caring for Dick.