Richard “Dick” “Sarge” P. Singer, age 74, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Saturday, February 13th 2021.
Dick was born on August 30th, 1946 to the late Richard J. and Patricia M. (Alderson) Singer in Kenosha, WI. He attended local schools and at age 17 enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served 3 tours in the Vietnam War and completed 6 years with the Marines before returning home to Kenosha for 4 months working briefly at American Motors. After reevaluating his future, he reenlisted with the US Army and served an additional 14 years earning Sergeant First Class along with many other awards, medals and honorable mentions; retiring in 1984. It was while in his military career that he found his love of golf and played many courses around the world including: Australia, Thailand, Japan, Germany, and Hawaii.
After his retirement at age 38, Dick returned to Kenosha with his family and enrolled full time at Gateway Technical Institute and majored in Industrial Marketing. While there he joined the school golf team, which he later helped bring to State Finals. Soon after earning his Associate’s Degree Dick became the Club Pro and Greenskeeper at Spring Valley Country Club where he began his second career for the next 25 years turning his passion into his profession. Many remember Sarge as running the place as he was in charge of settling disputes (always professional and calm believe it or not), handling any disasters (day/night; summer/winter) and being the mastermind behind his annual tournament: The Singer Invitational. He was an expert in his field and always promoted the integrity of the game, teaching many area golfers how to play and improve their swings. Dick landed 11 hole in ones in his lifetime.
Dick will always be remembered for his kind and generous heart; always there for his friends and family, especially in times of need. The number of friendships he formed and maintained over the years is countless. Dick enjoyed watching sports, weather, news, history channel, and jeopardy. He was a compassionate dog lover, adopting many in his lifetime and he could walk in to any place or situation and strike up a conversation with anyone, often impressing people with the various phrases in different languages he learned while living abroad. He enjoyed going for breakfast at Gateway Café and golf trips to Florida with his buddies.
Dick is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years Mi Cha Singer; daughters Patricia H. Singer of Seattle, WA, Pamela (Dr. Michael) Ver Haag of Baltimore, MD, and son Richard L. Singer of Kenosha, WI. He was a kind, loving, and proud grand “papa” to Mia Singer, Ian and Amelie Ver Haag and brother to Steven (Nancy) Singer.
He is preceded in death by parents Richard and Patricia Singer, and brother Timothy Charles Singer.
The family would like to express gratitude for the excellent care and compassion he received at home this past year from Hospice Alliance. Memorial services are planned for Thursday, June 17th at 11am at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI. There will be a brief ceremony in the committal shelter followed by full military honors before being laid in his final resting place. Luncheon to follow at Ives Grove Golf Course in their outdoor covered Pavilion 12pm-2pm.
Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations
3016 75th Street
Kenosha, WI 53142
262-653-0667
Larry Crum says:
Please accept my deepest condolences. Dick was a good friend and I will miss his cheerful banter and friendship. He had the uncanny ability to organize people and plan activities like golf tournaments. Dick respected everyone he met and his smiling face was always a welcome greeting whenever we met at Spring Valley. Thank you, Dick, and Godspeed.
Mike “Hawk” Vernezze says:
Sarge was a dear and loyal friend. His frequent phone calls to me will be greatly missed. I know that he already in a golf match and saying “Press”.
Lee Perry says:
Semper Fi Sarge! We will always be grateful for your creating our love of the game! Rest In Peace brother!
Ray Lubkeman says:
Rest in peace good friend. You will be missed. Lots of good memories at the Valley. May you find your dream match in Heaven. Don’t
forget to press-repress. Our condolences to the Singer family. Hold on to all the good memories. Your all in our prayers.
Chuck Krause says:
To the Singer family and all who knew and loved “The Sarge” I offer my sympathies. A larger than life good friend. A rough exterior surrounding a heart of gold, and a one of a kind good man. He will be greatly missed.
Please keep us posted on his memorial service….when and where? Thank you.
Pam Ver Haag says:
The memorial will be held on Thursday, June 17th at 11am at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI. Please arrive 10 minutes early to the main Administration Parking lot. At 10:55am follow the procession of cars to the Committal Shelter for a brief service followed by full military honors. Once concluded guests are welcome to depart or drive to the Urn Garden to watch from your vehicle as the urn is placed into the ground which will take 15 minutes. Once placed guests can get out and say their final goodbyes. Masks and Social Distancing are required.
Al Zuehlsdorf says:
We go all the way back to when we were kids, played alot of golf with both Sarge and his father, both were tough competitors. He will be missed, my deepest condolences to Mi , Pat, Pam, and Richie, take care
Mark Kuyawa says:
A long time friend who will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family. You always treated me great. You were always concerned how the greens were at the Valley ! We had a lot of fun in our matches over the years, won some and lost some. But no one loved the game like you did.
You will be missed !
Will Mayew says:
Spring Valley without the Sarge? There’s a concept that’s hard to get your head around. The golf world will miss you!!! Condolences to the family. Will Sr. Mayew
Bob "Moose" Sertic says:
My deepest condolences to the Singer family. I had the pleasure of working and playing numerous rounds of golf or should I say Scotch matches with the Sarge. Sarge might of had the most colorful language of anyone but his favorite word was a clean word, “press”! St. Peter will have his work cut out with the Sarge but it will never be a dull moment! Thanks for the great memories, you will be missed.
Lloyd Glaser says:
Sarge was our leader,organizer and
Companion. We will all miss the Sarge.
My sincere condolences to all his
Family.
Sandy & Jim Riese says:
Our deepest condolences to the family of our cousin Dick. I have lots of memories of Dick from our childhood times together. Your family is in our thoughts & prayers. Please let us know the date of Dick’s memorial service.
Pamela Ver Haag says:
The memorial will be held on Thursday, June 17th at 11am at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI. Please arrive 10 minutes early to the main Administration Parking lot. At 10:55am follow the procession of cars to the Committal Shelter for a brief service followed by full military honors. Once concluded guests are welcome to depart or drive to the Urn Garden to watch from your vehicle as the urn is placed into the ground which will take 15 minutes. Once placed guests can get out and say their final goodbyes. Masks and Social Distancing are required.
Joyce Wagner says:
My condolences to all of Dick’s family. He was a valued employee of over 40 years and our friend. He will be missed. God bless.
Joyce Wagner