Captain Richard J. Floersch, 59, was a captain of the Milan Fire Department in Milan, Tennessee. His number was 3, and he wore it proudly. He had 36½ years of service, from January 20, 1977, to October 2, 2013, when he had a massive heart attack while on duty on a 24-hour shift.
He was certified in Basic Firefighting (TFACA), Emergency Vehicle Operator, Vehicle Extrication (Basic/Advanced), CPR Instructor through the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association; Fire Officer 1 & 2, Fire Instructor 1, Hazardous Materials Operator, and SCBA Repair Technician.
In 2013, he started back the Milan Middle School Fire Patrol Program. He loved firefighting. He followed in the footsteps of his dad, Robert Floersch, who was a former Milan Fire Department Chief.
Richard loved his wife, the Atlanta Braves, the Smoky Mountains, camping, and collecting baseball cards.
He was born April 12, 1954, in Evergreen Park, Illinois.
He is survived by Dreama, his wife of 33 years; his brothers, Robert (Monica) Floersch and Ron (Linda) Floersch; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Bettie Wyatt; and his nieces and nephews, Tracy, Kim, Elizabeth, Mike, Robert, and Dominick. He is also survived by his extended family, Kelli, Wade, and Travis Sanders, and special pet, Friday.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Rita Floersch; his sister, Mary Floersch Scileppi and his nephew, Mario Scileppi.
We were married for 33 years (September 6, 1980). Richard was my loving husband, my best friend, my soul mate, and my rock. I love him and miss him so much. He’s always on my mind and always in my heart and all around me, but just not physically with me. It is so hard without him.
Not knowing why God took him so young and so soon is very hard. One day I will see him again, and we will be together forever.
Love you Richard, Always and Forever,
Dreama Floersch – Wife
My Sister Dreama, I know this weekend has been rough for you and I am so sorry Wade and I was not there to be there for you. I am so proud of you and how you continue each day to become stronger and stronger. You may not think so or feel like you are but believe me you are. I will never be able to tell you how much Richard meant to us..He was a permanent part of our family just as you will always be. I am so so sorry that you have had this to go through, if I could take your hurt and pain away I would in a heartbeat. Wade and I will never be able to thank you and Richard for what you given us…a love and friendship that is to last forever…also thank you for the “many projects” I seem to “dream up” lol we did have a blast doing some especially when Brother took the sledge hammer to get the stuck on mess that was on my floors…I assure there are pieces under my bed..lol No matter what always remember you are a permanent part of “our family” and hold tight the memories we had of “all 3 of us” close to your heart because they will last forever. Love You “MORE” Sissy, I win..:) Kelli
– Kelli SandersDear Friend, I am very proud of you & I agree with Kelli that you have grown stronger each day. I cannot imagine your empty feelings, but know that you are lifted each day in my prayers. Ephesians 3:16 is a perfect scripture for us all to claim each day.
Love you lots!
Lisa Springer
– Lisa Springer