Richard Alois “Dick” Rybicki, “The Cheese Man,” age 84 of Ellsworth, WI, passed away March 9, 2021 at the Regina Medical Center in Hastings, MN.  Richard was born March 29, 1936 in Rudolph, WI to Alois and Genevieve (Krzykowski) Rybicki.  On May 11, 1957, Dick was united in marriage to Jan O’Shasky.  Their lives were blessed with three daughters, Carrie, Krystal and Kandys.  Dick worked as a cheese maker at the Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Factory in Rudoph, WI for 25 years.  A dreamer and entrepreneur, Dick helped build and operate the cheese plant in Hoffman, MN before co-owning Sigel Cheese Factory.  In 1984, he opened his first cheese store in the Plover Outlet Mall.  In 1992, Dick opened his dream store, Rybicki Cheese, at the Mall of America, and was head of the operations for 27 years before semi-retiring.  Dick’s family now carries on the cheese business and operates Legacy Cheese in Hastings, MN.

Along with being an entrepreneur, Dick truly enjoyed meeting new people, visiting and telling stories.  He loved being surrounded by his family, friends and his dogs.  Dick appreciated the beauty of the outdoors, planting trees, and being on the water fishing.  He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan who delighted in cheering on his team.  A remarkable father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, Dick will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed.

Dick is survived by his daughters, Carrie (William) Olds of Prescott, WI, Krystal (Roger) Carolfi of Prescott, WI and Kandys Osterman of Hoffman, MN; grandchildren:  Robert (Kelly) Weinfurter, Derek (Patricia) Williams, Grant (Rebecca Steward) Olds, Jacob (Kimberly Everson) Hildebrandt, Jared (Rashmi Moparthi) Hildebrandt, Kendra (Cory) Wolfe, Kelsey (Tim) Johnson and Robert Rice; great-grandchildren:  Keira Olds, Killian, Linux, Perrin, George, Ernie and Lucy Hildebrandt, Orin Wolfe, Wesley Johnson, Mason Williams, Allison and Neil Yeske, and Logan Rice; brothers, Gerald (Charlotte) and Joseph (Barbara) Rybicki; sister, Judy (Gordon) Bigalke; sisters-in-law, Beverly Rybicki and Janet O’Shasky; special friends, Cory, Lynn, Dave, Glen, Mark, Lynn and Nate and Anne.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jan; sister, Margie; brother, Alois Jr.; parents, Alois and Genevieve Rybicki; and in-laws, John O’Shasky and Carrie Robak.

A Gathering for Family and Friends to celebrate Dick’s life will be held 3:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday, March 28, 2021 at the Old Ptaceks Event Center, 1449 Orrin Rd., Prescott.  Honoring Dick’s love for dogs, memorials may be directed to the Animal Ark in Hastings or Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue in Hudson.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Prescott (715) 262-5404.  www.oconnellfuneralservices.com