Rick Kugler

Robert "Rick" Kugler, 71, of Waterford, Michigan, passed away on September 1, 2024. Born on December 31, 1952, in Pontiac, Michigan, Rick was the beloved son of the late Robert Earl Kugler and Twylah Jewell (Richardson) Kugler.

On May 18, 1974, Rick married the love of his life, Shirla Zschering, at Grace Lutheran Church in Pontiac, Michigan. Together, they celebrated 50 years of love and companionship. Rick and Shirla enjoyed spending time up north at their cabin, where they embraced the outdoors with their sons. Rick also cherished camping and fly-fishing trips with his boys, creating lasting memories in the beauty of nature.

Rick was a dedicated family man who cherished every moment with his loved ones. He took immense pride in watching his sons play football at Our Lady of the Lakes High School and found joy in talking to his grandchildren about cars, watching them play sports, and supporting their various hobbies. He was a proud and loving father and grandfather.

Rick’s passion for cars was well-known. Whether working on his own vehicles or identifying cars on the road, his love for automobiles was unmatched. He proudly owned three Corvettes and a Willys Wagon, each a testament to his automotive enthusiasm.

While his sons attended Our Lady of the Lakes High School, Rick dedicated much of his time to fundraising for the school. After retiring as an auditor from Oakland County, he continued to serve the parish. His dear friend Ron Hasso sponsored him when Rick was baptized into Catholicism, marking a profound moment in his spiritual journey.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Shirla Kugler; devoted sons, Nicholas (Erica), Adam (Natalie), and Christopher (Amanda); loving grandchildren, Olin, Shia, Avery, Anson, Knox, and Edna; loving sisters, Karen Kugler and Dodie (Roger) Keebaugh; sisters-in-law, Kaye Harrison and Ruthann Stevens; and many dear nieces and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by close friends Dennis (Ann) Alvis, Ron Hasso, Mike Artley, and many others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Twylah; his in-laws, Amanda and Herb Zschering; and close friend, John McCarthy.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m. at Coats Funeral Home, 3141 Sashabaw Rd., Waterford, MI 48329. The Funeral Service will be on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Father Lawrence Delonnay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the University of Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center.

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