Nicholas J. Muschal

Nicholas “Nick” J. Muschal, age 85, of Ripon, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 21, 2024 at Ripon Community Hospital.

Nick was born on October 22, 1938, in Chicago, IL, son of Nicholas and Katherine (Marx) Muschal. He graduated from Amundsen High School in Chicago and went on to serve our country in the U.S. Air National Guard. He attended Northern Illinois University where he ultimately received his master’s degree. He taught English at Dundee Middle School in IL for over 30 years where he was beloved by students. In 1977 he married Marie Dow in McHenry, IL. Marie had four children who he took in lovingly and raised with her as his own. He was an actor in community theater and was well known as a fun-loving comedian and prankster. He and Marie loved to travel and camp with their family. He was a fun and doting grandfather who was very involved with his grandchildren’s lives. After retiring with Marie to the upper peninsula of Michigan, Nick volunteered at Copper Country Humane Society and passed on this love of volunteer work to his grandchildren.

Nick is survived by his wife, Marie Muschal of Ripon, WI; children, Lawrence (Donna) Kenyon, John Kenyon, Mary Beth (Rick) LaFernier, Ann (James) Kloeckner; 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; brothers, Frank (Karen) Muschal, Michael Muschal; a sister-in-law, Jean; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Katherine Muschal, and one brother, Robert Muschal.

Visitation for Nick will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 am on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

A Celebration of Life for Nick will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, with Rev. Karin Derenne officiating. You may view a livestream of the service at 11:00 am by visiting www.facebook.com/butzinmarchant. Inurnment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ripon, WI, with a final salute and full military honors. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to 31 Backpacks, a non-profit organization in Michigan important to Nick that helps children in need, 601 Ingot Hancock, MI 49930.

Nick’s request was that friends and family not wear black and be sad at his funeral, but instead laugh, share good memories and stories, and wear bright, colorful clothing.