Richard J. Dolezal

1946 - 2024

Richard J. Dolezal, 77, of Trail Creek, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1506 Washington Street, Michigan City, Indiana, with Rev. Walter Ciesla officiating. Burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery, Michigan City, Indiana. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, and Saturday from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana. A time of remembrance will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at the funeral chapel.

He was born on Dec. 7, 1946, in Michigan City, Indiana, to the late Gerald "Jerry" and Dorothy (Southard) Dolezal.

Surviving are his sister, Sharon Dolezal of Mishawaka, Indiana; sister-in-law, Patricia Dolezal of Bartlett, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, June Henry McIntyre Dolezal; brother, Jay Dolezal; step-sister, Nancy Schlundt; and step-brother, Thomas McIntyre.

Dick retired from Sullair as a sales engineer after 40 years. He was a former member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years. As a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, he was a volunteer with their resale shop, and he also volunteered delivering meals for LaPorte County Meals on Wheels.

Dick served with the Indiana National Guard from 1969 to 1975 with the 1438 Transportation Co., Elkhart, Indiana.

Most who knew Dick would agree he was a "Priest without a collar" – it was not I who served, but Christ, whose yoke I bore (Matthew 11:29). His kindness and willingness to selflessly serve his family, friends, and strangers alike was undeniable. From childhood until recently annual fishing trips and Dells excursions with his family in Wisconsin were dear to his heart (Psalms 37:3). Dick was a good steward of his beautiful wooded property in Trail Creek (Genesis 2:15), and over the years he generously adopted several dogs, fed raccoons, birds and deer, exemplifying a fierce and faithful love for all God's creatures (Proverbs 12:10). Dick would often say, "Look to the heavens" (Isaiah 40:26), but this time look closely, because you could see this merry soul driving a green and yellow John Deere tractor, pulling children over the lush, grassy hills of paradise (Luke 23:43).

Contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Capital Campaign, 1506 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana, or to Marquette High School, 306 W. 10th St., Michigan City, IN 46360.

To sign a guestbook and leave condolences online visit our website at www. otthaverstock.com.