Richard N. Foltz, MD

Dr. Richard N. Foltz, age 77, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 28, 1949, to Mae and Erm Foltz, Richard grew up in the lakes and forests of northern Wisconsin. He was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at UW Hospitals. While at UW, he participated in the Viking Scholars program, a cultural and academic exchange with universities in Scandinavia, where he formed lifelong friendships.

Rich's greatest joy in life was his family. On October 19, 1985, he married the love of his life, Gretchen. Together they beautifully blended their family and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, love, and adventure, making cherished memories in Rhinelander, Wausau, Florida, and Colorado. No place, however, held Rich's heart more than Lone Pine in Presque Isle, Wisconsin—a place steeped in family history and natural beauty. He often said one of the best days of his life was returning home from the hospital to Lone Pine, where he found peace in the warmth of the sun, the breeze on his face, and his family nearby.

Dr. Foltz dedicated his professional life to caring for others as an orthopedic surgeon and partner at Northland Orthopedics in Rhinelander and Bone & Joint Clinic in Wausau. He believed great medicine was a team effort and deeply valued the staff who worked alongside him to provide exceptional care. One of the greatest blessings of his career was practicing alongside his brother, Dr. Alex Foltz.

An avid outdoorsman throughout his life, Rich loved fishing, skiing, and hunting. Following his retirement in 2007, Rich embraced the next chapter of life with new passions such as woodworking, gardening, biking, cultivating food plots for wildlife, and tackling countless projects that reflected both his creativity and ingenuity.

Those who knew Rich remember him not only as a gifted physician but as an extraordinary mentor and encourager. He had a remarkable ability to simplify life's greatest lessons and inspire others with the wisdom he lived by. One of his favorite reminders was: "1, 2, 3: Work hard. Make good choices. Have fun."

Rich often said, "Life is a six-letter word called change." In his final chapter, he met that change with the same optimism, gratitude, and humor that defined his life. His deep faith in God remained constant, and he often reminded family, friends, and even his hospital caregivers that "God holds us all in the palm of His hand".

Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Gretchen; his children, Emily Foster (Reed), Steve Foltz (Jennifer), Jay Scandin (Debbie), and Mike Scandin (Kristin); his cherished grandchildren, Wyatt, Winnie, Betsy, Rylee, Lily, Taylor, Jack, Frank, Allison (Patrick), and Hailey (Travis); his siblings, John (Marie) Foltz, Alex (Donna) Foltz, Carol (Bill) Steeno, Betsy Mitchell, Mary Kay (John) Dadisman, and Stu (Kathy) Foltz; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mae and Erm Foltz.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 15, from 12:00–3:00 p.m. at Northfork in Minocqua. A brief time of remembrance, including shared memories and music, will begin at 1:00 p.m 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Boulder Junction Library.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.