In Memoriam

Richard (Dick) Eschner, AIA Emeritus passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, with his wife near his side.  

Born November 6, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dick cherished his family most followed by the Green Bay Packers. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Architecture and practiced in Milwaukee his entire career, retiring as a partner from Kahler Slater. He was active in the American Institute of Architects, volunteering on the Golden Award Committee, chairing the DFD Liaison Committee and serving as AIA Wisconsin President in 1991. 

After retiring Dick taught part-time at MSOE in the Architectural Engineering Department. Dick loved living in Shorewood and was involved in the community as a Shorewood Trustee and was the first chair of the Shorewood Public Art Committee. Richard was a faithful and active member of Plymouth Church. His favorite family vacation was fishing in Northern Wisconsin or Minnesota. He loved telling jokes - no matter how many times he told the same one. He was a big fan of old movies and big band music. He loved writing letters to his friends and family and taking photos. He was a good friend to many people. 

He is survived by his wife Carol Eschner (née Berg), son Mike Eschner, daughter Kris (Mark) van Osnabugge, grandchildren Alec & Ingrid, daughter Jennifer Eschner, AIA (John Landowski), grandchildren Collin & Andrew, as well as his sister Virginia Smith (née Eschner), niece Laura Smith, niece Valerie Shatto (Drew Shatto) and his extended Berg and Eschner families. 

A private family service will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Shorewood Foundation for the Public Art Committee. Shorewood Foundation: 4230 N. Oakland Ave. #307, Shorewood, WI 53211