Richard L. Ohlrich

Richard L. Ohlrich, 82 of Gaylord, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2018 surrounded by his family at Hiland Cottage Hospice House in Petoskey.

Born in Melvindale, MI on July 23, 1935, Dick was the son of Henry and Freda (Lentz) Ohlrich and big brother to Jerry. He grew up in Allen Park and was a 1953 graduate of Allen Park High School.  Dick served in the United States Army during 1954-1955.

After returning home, Dick attended Olivet College. His early years of employment were spent at varying positions in both manufacturing and construction. In the late 1950’s, Dick went to work for The Budd Company in Detroit as a plant security guard.  Dick’s career with Budd lasted 42 years, where he retired from his position as Vehicle Traffic Coordinator in 1999.  He truly loved his work, the experiences it afforded him, and mostly the people he worked for and with.

On August 24, 1957, Dick married the love of his life, Julianne Zimmermann  at Angelica Lutheran Church in Allen Park.  Dick and Julie made their home in Allen Park for many years, raising their three children, Mark, Lisa and Pam. They built their retirement home in the Michaywe Community of Gaylord, where they have lived since 1999 and where Dick was able to thoroughly enjoy his love for golf.

In earlier years he enjoyed hunting and throughout his life he was an avid Detroit sports fan.  A highlight for Dick was attending every game of the 1968 World Series.

Dick was a member of Angelica Lutheran Church in Allen Park and later, Trinity Lutheran Church in Gaylord.

For Dick, family always came first and he thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent with them.  He especially enjoyed, as he called them, the “little people”, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dick is survived by Julie, his wife of almost 61 years; his children, Mark (Bonnie) Ohlrich of Dearborn Heights, Lisa (Michael) Colomina of Allen Park and Pamela (John) Gamache of Allen Park; grandchildren, Megan Ohlrich, Kaitlyn Ohlrich, Cathleen Ohlrich, Mallory Fisher, Hillary (Ryan) Slater, Ashleigh (Mitch) Demko, Claire (Hunter) Addison and Graham Gamache; great grandchildren, Kaedyn, Hadley and Bearett; his brother, Jerry (Ruby) Ohlrich of Cadillac; two nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, the family will have a private service at Trinity Lutheran Church followed by interment at Otsego Lake Township Cemetery in Gaylord.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church or McLaren Hiland Cottage Hospice House in Petoskey.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com