Dr. James J. Tydrich

Dr. James J. Tydrich, 88, of Grafton, Wis., passed away Dec. 31, 2024, at home with his family at his side following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 24, 1936, in Richland Center, Wis., the son of James F. and Anna K. (Slama) Tydrich. Jim grew up on a farm in Bloom City, Wis., where he developed his work ethic and love of caring for others.

He graduated from Richland Center High School, where he participated in many activities, and most importantly, where he met Marilyn Edwards. They dated from their sophomore year and were married for 63 years, from 1958 until her death in 2021.

Following high school, Jim attended St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minn. After a year, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he achieved both his undergraduate and doctoral degrees.

Dr. Tydrich returned to Richland Center following his medical training and joined the Edwards Clinic, owned by his father-in-law. In 1967, the clinic merged to create the Richland Medical Center, where Jim continued a distinguished career.

During his time in Richland Center, Dr. Tydrich served as president of the Medical Center for 15 years. While at the Medical Center, he pioneered the region’s first nurse practitioner program through the University of Wisconsin. He also served on numerous boards of directors including the Wisconsin State Medical Society, Richland Hospital and Pine Valley Manor.

He was instrumental in the founding of the HMO of Wisconsin, one of the nation’s first rural-based HMOs, as a member of the initial board of directors.

Dr. Tydrich cared deeply for each of his many patients. Among his numerous accomplishments, he delivered more than 1,000 babies during his time in Richland Center.

Dr. Tydrich left Richland Center for Janesville in 1992, where he worked in urgent care, then helped to open an urgent care clinic in Delevan, Wis., five years later, where he worked until his retirement.

Jim is survived by his son Brian and daughter-in- law Lupe Montes of Madison, Wis., and his daughter Melanie Tydrich and son-in-law Stephen Paul of Port Washington, Wis. He is also survived by his brother Ray (Rose) Tydrich and sister-in-law Diane Tydrich, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marilyn. He was also preceded in death by his parents James F. Tydrich and Anna K. Tydrich, his sister Mary Ann Krajco, brothers Dennis and Edward Tydrich and brother-in-law Louis Krajco.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Pratt Memorial Chapel in Richland Center with burial to follow in Richland Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 until the service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Pratt Memorial Chapel.

Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

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