Richard Dufresne
Richard Fredrick Dufresne, 79, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026. He was born on May 6, 1947, the son of Francis “Fritz” Dufresne and Veronica “Verna” (Levash) Dufresne. Rich was raised in Michigan and graduated from Michigan Tech University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War
era. Rich enjoyed a long and successful engineering career, taking great pride in his work. He worked for Scott Paper Company, Kimberly-Clark, and Procter & Gamble before continuing his career after retirement with Swanson Wiper Corporation.
On September 20, 1969, Rich married Martha Ann Cox, just five months after the two met on a golf course. Together they shared nearly 47 years of marriage and built a life centered on family. They raised two children, Todd and Katie, and their family resided in Michigan, Germany, Wisconsin, and Maine. Following their children’s college years, Rich’s career took them to Dover, Delaware, before they ultimately settled in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where they spent their
remaining years together.
Rich loved sports, especially the game of golf. He found enjoyment in keeping up with teams and competitions of all kinds. Some of his favorite pastimes were watching television and sharing meals with family, especially when he could pick up the tab. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his family (well, except for maybe his favorite tv programs like Gun Smoke, MASH, Blue Bloods and the GREEN BAY PACKERS!).
Following Martha’s passing in 2016, Rich remained in their Oshkosh home for nine years. In September 2025 he moved to Maine to be closer to family which is where he spent his remaining months surrounded by the love and support of those closest to him.
Rich is survived by his son Todd Dufresne (Anne Hansen and Marianna Hansen-Niemiec); daughter Katie Dufresne Derosier and her husband Jamie Derosier; grandchildren Elizabeth and Sam Dufresne and Jack and Luke Derosier; brother Robert Dufresne (Merry) and sister Mary Retlick (David), and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in
death by his wife, Martha Dufresne, his older brother Roger Dufresne and his parents.
A special thanks to Lindy at Bristol Hospice for her exceptional care and compassion and to the staff at Winterberry Heights for their tender care during his final days. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Menominee, Michigan. A private burial will immediately follow, where Rich will be laid to rest beside his wife, Martha.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Verdie Cox Scholarship Fund at Michigan Tech University, a cause that was deeply meaningful to both Rich and Martha and honors the memory of Martha’s father.