Richard "Dick" Foltz

FORT GRATIOT, Mich. - Richard "Dick" F. Foltz, 69, of Fort Gratiot, Michigan, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, after a courageous battle with lymphoma. He was surrounded by his family at McLaren Port Huron.

He was born Oct. 31, 1944, in Columbus and has lived in the Blue Water area of Michigan since 1977. He married Chizuko Fujibayashi on Sept. 26, 1966, in Japan. Dick proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1969. Following his military service, he embarked on a distinguished career as a firefighter at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where he retired after 24 years. He also worked at Sears in Port Huron, Michigan, for 37 years. Dick was a member of the American Legion Post 449 in Marysville, Michigan, and a charter member of the Fort Gratiot American Legion Post 408.

Dick had a remarkable sense of humor and enjoyed making those around him laugh. He took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren participate in numerous sports. He also enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years, Chizuko; five children, George (Debbie) Foltz, Steve (Tammie) Foltz, Jim (Stephanie) Foltz, A.J. (Tabby) Foltz and Sandra (Joseph) Licavoli; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; four sisters, Barbara (Kenneth) Soulliere of Norfolk, Vanora (Michael) Mulligan of Columbus, Patricia (Larry) Hinze of Rising City and Kathleen (Dean) Hoebing of Norfolk; six brothers, Theodore (Judith) Foltz of Pewee Valley, Kentucky, Dean (Judy) Foltz of Columbus, Eugene (Becky) Foltz of Seward, Allen (Jan) Foltz of Columbus, Ronald (Connie) Foltz of Columbus and Gary (Ruth) Foltz of Columbus; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Luella Foltz.

A memorial service will take place 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, in the Smith Family Funeral Home – North, 1525 Hancock St., in Port Huron, Michigan, with the Rev. Max Amstutz officiating. The service will be followed by a "Celebration of Life" gathering beginning at 4 p.m. at American Legion Post 449 in Marysville, Michigan. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday and noon Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion Post 408, 3334 Wilks Drive, Lakeport, MI 48059.

Condolences may be left at www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.com.