Richard Louis Pataky

RICHARD LOUIS PATAKY Richard Louis Pataky deceased on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Homesteader Senior Living in Beulah, Michigan. He was 91 years young. Richard was born on January 19, 1934, in Alger, Michigan, to William and Eleanor (Deno) Pataky. Richard was preceded in death by both his parents. Richard is also preceded in death by siblings: William Pataky, Ralph Pataky, and Shirley (Pataky) Fitzpatrick. He is survived by sisters Norma (Pataky) Wymore and Barbara (Pataky) Foor. Richard is also preceded in death by Ricky Reining (Grandson), Amber Yaklin (Granddaughter), Austin Yaklin (Great Grandson), and Spenser Lagalo (Grandson). Richard was married twice, first to Betty E. (Armstrong) Orr (surviving) and to Rosemary (Grew) Yaklin (deceased). Richard had 10 children: Roger (Carol) Pataky, Jeffrey Pataky, Nick (Mary) Yaklin, Norman Yaklin, Donald Yaklin, Jackie (Jake) Matzke, Jeannie (Rich) Reining, Crystal (James) Martin, Barbie (Dan) Travis, and Kathy (Ron) Ruppert. Richard has 32 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and 15 great, great-grandchildren. Richard worked for 30 years at Buick Motor Division in Flint, Michigan, retiring at the young age of 48, where he spent his time hunting, fishing, camping, and riding his ATV through the trails in Michigan. Richard also spent his early years as a Boy Scout leader in Troop 227 in Birch Run while his two sons, Roger and Jeff, were scouts. He also coached baseball for several years in the Birch Run area. Richard was a die-hard fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and Michigan State Spartans. He never missed a game, even if it was a replay the next day, and rooted for them always. He also loved growing flowers and feeding birds; his place in Alger was beautifully set with colorful flowers and all kinds of birds to watch. He was also a lifetime member of the NRA and served as an Ogemaw County ATV trail observer. He was very proud of this as he championed the freedom of riding on the trails and the responsibilities it took to preserve this freedom. Celebration of Life for Richard L. Pataky will be held at the home of Jeffery Pataky, 14216 Honor Highway, Beulah, MI   49610, on July 25, 2026, @ 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the National Rifle Association (NRA). Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI.  www.steuernolmclaren.com