Richard D. Michalek

Richard D. Michalek, 87, of Bucyrus died peacefully on June 4, 2023 at Kobacker House in Columbus. He was born January 13, 1936, in Belding, Michigan to Joseph and Josephine (Kristina) Michalek. On November 25, 1961, he married Helen Mary Matthews and she survives.

Richard was a 1953 graduate of Belding High School and received an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Drafting from Ferris State College. He retired from Ohio Crane after 32 years of service. At age 17, he volunteered for the U.S. Army and served proudly as a tank gunner and served in Germany.

In addition to his bride of 61 years, Richard is survived by six children, Tony (Virginia) Michalek, Steve (Deanna) Michalek, Becky (Chuck) Clady, Kristina (Cliff) Nye, Ron Michalek, and Madonna (Todd) Stewart; siblings, Joseph (Vickie) Michalek and Josephine Pollock; sister-in-law, Ruth Michalek; grandchildren, Andrew Michalek, Amy Michalek, Stephanie Michalek, Samantha Michalek, Tara (Aaron) Maglott, Michael Hassinger, Jakhob Clady, Jordan Clady, Isaac Nye, Emma Nye, Nicholas Michalek, Mara Stewart, Alena Stewart; and great grandchildren, Emmalyn Maglott, Eli Maglott, Avonlea Maglott, and Mila Hassinger. Preceding him in death was a son, Matthew Michalek; siblings and their spouses, George Michalek, Elsie (Bob) Christensen, Raymond (Helen) Michalek, Betty Jane (Bill) Updike, and Michael (Sandy) Michalek; and brother-in-law, Gordon Pollock.

Richard was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and American Legion Post 181. He enjoyed playing softball, basketball, tennis, golf, volleyball, and ran many 10Ks and half marathons. He loved to work on antique cars and took an occasional ride in a Model T. Richard also enjoyed auctions, garage sales, flea markets, spending time outdoors, fishing and, most importantly, time spent with his family.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Paul Fahrbach officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery with military rites by the US. Army Honor Guard and Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail. The Michalek family will join family and friends for a luncheon in the Holy Trinity Activity Center Cafeteria at approximately 1:00 pm.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or American Legion Post 181 and given at the service or sent to Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, OH 44820. Memories and photos can be shared on Richard’s Tribute Wall.