Richard Willis

Richard Willis obituary, Escanaba, MI

Richard Willis

Richard Willis Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Skradski Family Funeral Home - Gladstone on Mar. 26, 2023.

Publish in a newspaper

Gladstone, MI
Richard Willis, age 81, of Gladstone, was called peacefully home to our Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 25, 2023.
Richard was born on July 9, 1941, in Gladstone, Michigan, the son of Benjamin and Louise (Desotell) Willis. He was united in marriage to Mary Demars on January 15, 1966, in Menominee, Michigan. In Richard's younger years, he worked on the VanDamme Potato Farm and then for Shadetree trimming trees and Gaffner Machines. As a hobby, Richard would collect old junk cars which eventually became his business Willis Salvage. Richard loved working in the "junkyard" and serving his customers with used car and truck parts. While retired, Richard has enjoyed spending time with his loving wife Mary, his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed playing cards, putting together puzzles, and visiting with friends. Richard was a longtime member of All Saints Catholic Church.
Richard is survived by:
Daughter: Susan (Joseph) Lawrick of Olive Branch, MS
Son: Keith (Christa) Willis of Indianapolis, IN
3 Brothers-In-Law: Al (Geraldine) Demers of Appleton, WI
Clifford Demars of Menominee, MI
Jerry DeMars of Menominee, MI
3 Sisters-In-Law: Doris (Tony) Fugarino of Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Sharon Demarce of Menominee, MI
Evelyn (Dean) Nelson of Menominee, MI
5 Grandchildren: Chelsey (Brazel Crocker) Lawrick, Luke, Claire, Olivia, Jude Willis
And numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by:
His Loving Wife: Mary
Son: Richard Lee
Sister-In-Law: Dorothy Van
Sisters: Viola Olson, Lila Frances Deringer
Brothers: Ben, Leonard, LeRoy & Robert
Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, MI. A rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus at 4:45 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 5:30 PM at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone, MI with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Richard will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Willis family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Willis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Richard Willis's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?