Days Gone By

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One of the more unforgettable personalities in River Falls belonged to C. Behlmer “Hip” Carisch, who died in 1973, at the age of 66.

According to the Nov. 1, 1973, River Falls Journal’s Main Street Briefs written by editor Pat Petricka: “Only he could call a spade a spade in his own certain way, he could paint the air blue in a downtown restaurant…but had a heart of gold to those he felt had it coming.”

A native of River Falls, Carisch graduated from high school in 1925 and was a member of the 1924 and 1925 basketball teams that won their way to the state high school tournament both years.

He graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield in 1929, where he was named to the Little All-American basketball team and then attended University of Wisconsin, graduating with a law degree in 1933. He opened an office in River Falls and practiced law for 38 years.

Carisch served as a Pierce County district attorney, River Falls municipal justice and Pierce County family court commissioner. He was active as a high school basketball referee for years and was a member of the Lions Club, Moose and Masonic lodges.

He and his wife Charlotte raised four children in River Falls — Charles, Dave, Chris and Susan.

Carisch had an outstanding athletic career. According to the March 14, 1929, River Falls Journal: “Behlmer Carisch named on All-American Squad; is an outstanding forward. New honors were heaped on Behlmer Carisch, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Carisch of this city, when he was chosen for All-American mention as one of the twenty outstanding forwards of the United States by the vote of college coaches of the country … He has been a member of the Carleton athletic teams for three years and has made an enviable record. As captain of the basketball team this season he led his teammates to two championships, winning the titles of both Mid-West and State leagues.”

Editor's Note: Carisch graduated from Carleton College, not St. Olaf -- he led his team to victories over St. Olaf -- apologies from Pat.