On January 26, 2021, Richard Paul Untener, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife Dianna, his daughters Deborah Draper (Denny) and Carole Cross (Scotte), his grandchildren Joseph, Marissa, and Matthew, and his siblings Robert (Ruth), Thomas (Bonnie), and Theresa Weigand (Ronald). He is preceded by his siblings Andrew, Mary Ann, Rita Dwyer, Alice, and Kenneth. Born on October 11, 1935, the sixth of nine children, Richard was raised on Belle Isle by Anna and Andrew, who ran the park's canoe shelter for the City of Detroit. As the only family on the island, the Untener children occupied themselves with hockey in the winter, swimming in the summer, and practical jokes year-round. After graduating from St. Charles High School in Detroit, Richard joined the U.S. Navy in 1954. He served as a Machinist's Mate aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS Wasp CVA 18 on the heels of the Korean War. Throughout his four-year military career, he saw many parts of the world, from Hawaii to the Philippines. One of his favorite memories is the hazing initiation for seamen upon their first crossing of the equator. In 1966, he married Dianna Weigand. They had two children and three grandchildren, and celebrated 54 joyful years of marriage. Richard was a salesman for an HVAC wholesaler. He was an avid player of hockey, golf, racquetball, and handball. He amassed files of interesting scientific tidbits, particularly about astronomy. He will be remembered for an unfailing sense of humor, infinite patience, love of family, devoted friendships, and Catholic faith. A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lakes Church at 10:30 on February 1, 2021. Richard will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriners' Hospitals for Children, or the Alzheimer's Association.

Service

Monday, February 1, 2021 10:30 AM Our Lady of the Lakes 5481 Dixie Highway Waterford 48329, United States