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1928 Richard 2023

Richard G. Gresla

September 1, 1928 — March 3, 2023

Richard G. Gresla, 94, of Central Lake, Michigan passed away Friday, March 3, 2023 at Adams Memorial Hospital.

He was born on September 1, 1928 in Monroe, Michigan to the late George Gresla and the late Olga (Schmidt) Gresla.

Richard was married to Maxine O. Burnham on February 4, 1956 in Lansing Michigan.  She preceded him in death on July 1, 2022, after 66 years of marriage.

He was a supply officer in the Navy during the Korean War, where he served on a destroyer in the Pacific.

Richard was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope Alabama.  He was a lifelong active member of several churches, and served in many supportive positions.

Richard graduated from Monroe High School (Michigan) in 1946, where he was Valedictorian.  He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S in Engineering in 1951, and a Masters of Business Administration 1955, also from the University of Michigan.  He was a long time controller for Joy Manufacturing, and retired from their successor, Cooper Industries, in Houston Texas in 1987.

Richard had a passion for playing tennis, well into his seventies, and walked over 5 miles a day for over 40 years.  He also enjoyed his evening martini.

Survivors include three sons, Dr. Mark (Janelle) Gresla, of Decatur, Indiana; Eric (Madhu) Gresla of Chicago, Illinois; and Timothy (Janiene) Gresla, of Winchester, Massachusetts; eight grandchildren, Abby Gresla, Jennifer (Robert) Chapa, Ashley (Tom) Huie, John (Alice) Gresla, Alicia Gresla, Christopher Gresla, Nicholas Gresla, Kristen Gresla; and five great-grandchildren, Noah, Olivia, Charlotte, Amelia, Madelyn, and a sixth great-grandson is expected in June.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Jack, and a sister, Carol Heck.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Monroe, Michigan with interment at Lakeview Cemetery in Central Lake Michigan.

Preferred memorial can be given to St. James Episcopal Church, 860 N Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532, in care of Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes.

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