Richard Willis

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.