Richard “Dick” L. Cardinal

Richard “Dick” L. Cardinal, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 25, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI due to injuries sustained from a fall at home while working in the yard.

Dick was born on April 5, 1935 to the late Helen and Leonard (Fenner) Cardinal in Fond du Lac. He graduated from St. Mary Springs Academy.

Dick started working as a mason tender for Gross Construction before starting his own business, Cardinal Construction, in 1980. He retired as the boss in 1999, but continued to be known in the office as “The Big Guy” until his passing.

In 1990, he married Nancy Hansel. They enjoyed traveling, driving to the Northwoods together as well as spending time away in Florida. He loved being at his cottage in St. Germain. Dick looked forward to the deer hunting season every year.

Dick took pride in his yard and flowers. He enjoyed watching and feeding the birds. He was a Green Bay Packers season ticket holder. Most mornings, you could find Dick having coffee at McDonalds with his friends. Dick was a man of few words, but everyone listened when The Big Guy had an opinion.

Dick’s faith in His Lord and Saviour always remained strong and important to him.

Dick is survived by his wife Nancy, four children Mark (Carol) Cardinal, Deborah (Neil) Olsen, Kurt Cardinal and Todd (Jenni) Cardinal, grandchildren Christopher, Caitlin, Cody, Kristopher, Britney, Matti and Mitchell and great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by two brothers David (Bea) Cardinal, John Cardinal, grandson Michael and former wife Joyce Blare.

SERVICES: Dick’s family invites relatives and friends to Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 4th Street Way, Fond du Lac, on July 31, 2024 for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until time of the Mass. Dick will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Dick’s family asks that you consider a memorial to Holy Family Catholic Church.

Dick’s family is incredibly thankful for all those who assisted Dick including: the city of Fond du Lac EMTs, SSM Emergency Room team, Flight for Life team, St. Mary’s Hospital Chaplain Fr. Pat and the St. Mary’s Hospital Intensive Care Unit, especially Nurse Dan and Dr. Doug Hobson.