Richard Benson Gundlach

Richard Benson Gundlach, 78, of Farmington, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on April 16, 2024.
Rick was born on November 9, 1945, to Theodore and Carolyn (Benson) Gundlach in Buffalo, New York. He spent many good times with his parents, brother Terry and sister Carol at their home in Snyder, NY. Their summers were spent at "The Kennels" on Abino Bay in Lake Erie, where Rick gained his love for all things water; swimming, water skiing, boating and sailing, especially sailing.
The family moved to Michigan in 1957, where Rick attended Grosse Pointe High School and worked summer vacations as a lifeguard at the Grosse Pointe Farms Pier. During that time, he formed many friendships that continued throughout his life. After graduation, he attended Michigan Technological University and later the University of Michigan, where he met the love of his life, Janie Cook. She was living in the Tri Delta sorority house, where he was a busboy. They married shortly after graduation, in 1968.
Rick had a successful career in the field of metallurgical engineering. He began his career at Climax Molybdenum Company in Ann Arbor, where he eventually became a researcher, technical writer, lecturer and problem solver. In 1987, Rick and his partners opened Climax Research Services, in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Rick sold the company in 2008, but continued to be affiliated with it, because he loved the work he did there. Rick had an incredible thirst for learning and conveying concepts of ferrous metallurgy to his customers, employees and co-op students.
Rick was an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Foundry Society, the Ductile Iron Society, and the American Society for Metals (ASM), where he was a Fellow. He published over 70 technical papers, received two U.S. patents and earned numerous accolades and awards. He mentored dozens of young people, giving them an opportunity to gain valuable work experience. His innovative thinking and problem-solving skills made a lasting impact on the field of metallurgy, earning him respect and admiration from his colleagues and peers. His contributions will continue to shape the industry for years to come.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rick's life was rich with diverse interests and passions.
Over the years, Rick owned two classic Jaguars, two vintage BMW motorcycles and two noteworthy boats, a 1936 Chris Craft runabout and a 1974 Catalina C38 sailboat. They brought him joy, and if it had a motor, he could fix it! His handyman skills led to renovating historic houses, including his and Janie's first 1910 foursquare house, their current beautiful 1860s Victorian home and several others in their neighborhood. He even had one historic house in downtown Farmington moved to a new location in the Historic District, to save it from demolition.
Rick loved to sail and he loved to ski, especially with his high school buddies on their annual ski trip to Colorado. He liked listening to classical music (he was a connoisseur), watching old-time movies and, of course, Michigan football.
Rick was always lending a hand to others with all sorts of projects, including building things, repairing things and moving things. He was strong (witness his handshake) and capable. His mother-in-law dubbed him "Mr. Fix-it," a title he earned over and over again. He had many projects of his own, including speaker-building and all things electronic. He also took great pleasure in helping his grandchildren with math and science homework, which he always enjoyed more than they did!
Yet above all, Rick's heart belonged to his family. When his three children were young, he was involved in their many activities including, Indian Princesses and Indian Guides, skiing trips and family vacations. He also tried never to miss any of their various sports competitions in gymnastics, soccer and swimming. And when the grandchildren came along, he loved watching their sports and activities as well, including soccer, wrestling, dance and lacrosse. His family made him very proud, with both their academic and extracurricular success and, most especially, with their kind and loving characters.
Rick is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Janie Cook Gundlach; their children Katie (Kevin) Stewart, Ricky (Paulette) Gundlach, and Robbie Gundlach; and their grandchildren Ian Stewart, Alison Stewart, Veronica Gundlach, and Trey Gundlach. Rick is also survived by his brother Terry (Teri) Gundlach, sister Carol (the late Gary) Bielaniec, sister-in-law Mary (Bill) Valpey, brother-in law Jim (Bonnie) Cook, and many beloved nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors.
Rick's curiosity about the world and his interest in others were limitless. A man of strong faith, his kindness, warmth and empathy endeared him to all. Although Rick may have set sail on his final journey, his memory and legacy will live on with all who knew him.
To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
~Ecclesiastes 3:1
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to World Vision and Save the Children.
The Gundlach family will receive guests at the Funeral Home on Thursday, April 25, from 2 - 5pm and 6 - 8 pm.
Rick will be interred at a later date at a PRIVATE ceremony at Franklin Cemetery, Franklin, MI.