Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Flint, Saginaw, and Rochester Hills. Age 87, died Wednesday, April 17, 2024, under the care of Arbor Hospice. He was born March 5, 1937, in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Emil August and Catherine “Elizabeth” (Gross) Kuelske.
Richard attended Jordan Elementary and Christ Lutheran Schools in Saginaw, and then graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1955. He earned his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute (now Kettering). Richard retired in 2001, after 45 years with General Motors working in Saginaw and Flint, and then Detroit and Warren, where he was promoted to manage power plants across the country. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Rochester before moving to Chelsea, and then Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea since 2011. Richard belonged to Jaycees and was on the County Commission for Saginaw County. Richard enjoyed photography, and had a wedding photography business. He also enjoyed bike riding, fishing, hunting, playing basketball, and woodworking.
On November 2, 1957, Richard married Esther E. Cummings, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 10, 2018. He is survived by his daughters, Barbara Rubin of WA, Kathy McVeigh of TN, Jeannine (Kevin) Canze of Rochester Hills, and Andi (John) Philippe of Chelsea; 8 grandchildren, Ethan Canze, Jessica Rubin, Bradley Rubin, Brenna Knowles, Aidan McVeigh, Alana McVeigh, Yves Philippe, and Indigo Philippe; great-granddaughter, Elsie, and one more on the way; brothers, Kenneth (Diane) Kuelske, Emil (Lori) Kuelske; and sister, Norma Delucia. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Kuelske; and brother-in-law, Gary Delucia.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 22 , 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Daniel Pezzica officiating. A reception followed at the Chelsea Depot. The family received friends Noon - 2:00 p.m. before the funeral. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Saginaw, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118.
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