Perhaps the stars in the sky are loved ones letting us know they are near by guiding us through the night.

Rick Bidlingmaier, age 66 passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024, leaving behind a loving family and many friends.  He was born in Monroe, WI on December 10, 1957 to Sylvan and Margaret (Benkert) Bidlingmaier.  Rick was raised in Monticello spending his entire life in the rural community he called home for 66 years.  On May 4, 1996 he married Kathleen Ruppert in Monticello.  He was a hard-working farmer who started his own construction company (Bidlingmaier Construction) with a mind towards engineering.  Rick also had worked at the Overture Center in Madison until his retirement.  He enjoyed playing softball, tinkering in the shop and conversing with those who stopped by to visit whenever the shop door was open, and catching up on the local news while getting coffee at the gas station.  Rick took pride in sharing his knowledge with those around him, while also enjoying the occasional prank.  Most of all he treasured quality time spent with family and friends.

Rick is survived by his wife Kathy, sons Ben (Jennifer) Mesler, Jon Mesler, and daughter Brooke (Trent Disch) Bidlingmaier.  He is further survived by his sisters Karen Ghormley, Cheryl (Paul) Komprood, and Sue (Russ) Torkelson, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Michael and Darris Bidlingmaier, father-in-law Bill Ruppert, and brothers-in-law Doug Ruppert and Bill Ghormley.

A gathering will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 Sixth Ave., New Glarus, WI and from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024 prior to the memorial service at Washington Reformation Church, rural Monticello, WI.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Washington Reformation Church, N6026 Church Rd., Monticello, WI with Rev. Kelly Volk officiating.

A celebration of Rick's life will follow the memorial service from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024 in the upstairs events room at the Junction House, N3693 County Rd. J, Monroe, WI.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.