He enjoyed the last two years of his life in Lake Placid.

Dick was born on Sept. 4, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and college, as well as U of D School of Dentistry. Within a month of graduating from dental school in 1955, he married Catherine Louise Lauff. Their honeymoon was along the drive to San Antonio, Texas, where he completed basic training for the U.S. Army. Dick became a captain in the Army, providing dental services for troops stationed in Germany after World War II. During the three years Dick and Cathie lived in Germany, their first two children were born, Karen and Nancy.

Upon returning to Michigan in 1958, Dick established his dental practice in Farmington Hills, working in this office until his retirement in 1990. He felt grateful to be able to design and build a lovely home on Upper Long Lake where he and Cathie raised their six children. Dick was known for his good sense of humor and enjoyed hosting family and friends on the lake with its many activities: swimming and boating in the summer as well as skating and sledding in the winter.

Dick had a life-long interest in skiing, golfing, hunting, photography and travel. He planned many interesting family vacations across the U.S., with the family often camping in national parks along the way. After Dick retired, he and Cathie purchased an Airstream trailer and explored more of North America as well as went on several international trips. He appreciated craftsmanship and supporting local and indigenous people along their journeys which filled their home with many unique items. Dick could tell you where they purchased each one and often a bit about the artist or craftsperson.

When traveling in the late winter months, after retirement, they typically stopped at ski areas in Colorado and Utah. During the golf season in Michigan, Dick played for many years as part of a Thursday “international” golf league (named so because they played a round in Canada every year). He developed an interest in marksmanship in the Army and learned to hunt in Europe. He was in the northern Michigan woods on opening day for deer hunting for over 45 years. After Dick’s beloved Cathie passed away in 2007, he started to spend the cold weather months at Travelers Rest in Dade City, Florida, where he golfed on its nine-hole golf course through April of 2021.

Dick was proud to raise six active children, Karen, Nancy, Mary Katherine, Suzanne, John and Margaret as well as to provide a Catholic education. He was also pleased to assist in the education of his 15 grandchildren: Shannon, Matthew, Katherine, Colin, Seraphina, Elizabeth, Madeline, Summer, Kristen, Alexander, Eric, Samantha, Grant, Bruce and Silas.

A Memorial Mass will take place in Michigan. Memorial donations may be made to St. Agnes School, Lake Placid (stagneslp.org), High Peaks Hospice or a charity that is of special significance to you.