Richard Wirsing Obituary

WIRSING, Richard Clark – Of Flint, age 93, passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, December 1, 2022.

Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2022 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Neal Howald officiating.

Visitation 1 p.m. Sunday until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Those desiring may make contributions to the Genesee County Food Bank or charity of one’s choice.

Richard was born in Flint, Michigan on August 9, 1929, the second son of the late Harold and Frances Wirsing.

Dick graduated from Flint Central High School, where he met his future wife, Donna Rawlings. He went on to Olivet College. He and Donna got married and raised a family of five children, Susan, Rick, Margaret, Augie and Lora. Dick’s sister, Marian, also came into the fold.

Dick had a career with General Motors Metal Fabrication, where he handled Salary Administration, Labor Relations and Recruitment. He retired in 1987 with 36 years of service.

After retirement, Dick and Donna traveled abroad with good friends, Bob and Betty Howald. They wintered in Destin, Florida, where they enjoyed golf and beach, and hosted anyone that made it down their way.

Dick was an avid sports fan. His dad, Harold, shared his love of horse racing at a very young age, and he loved to go to the racetrack. He was a golfer and member of the Davison Country Club for many years. He boasted three “hole in ones” in his golf career. He always had time for a Saturday game with his good friend, Tom Hitchings. He and Tom developed their own game of “Economocho”.

Dick and Donna hosted many Buick Open golfers at their Lake Fenton home, and their friendship with Craig and Maureen Perks became as close as family. They would follow young golfers in the Nike Tour, and took particular pride following their grandsons, James and Michael on their golf teams for Powers High School.

Dick and Donna were in the rooting section for all their grandchildren, nieces and nephews sporting events. Wherever kids were playing sports, they could be found cheering them on.

There was always a game on the television or radio; football, tennis, golf and baseball, and a Blatz beer in hand. He looked forward to Tigers opening day; 162 games for the season, but he would only watch 161, in case Donna wanted to do something.

The Wirsings were known for their annual Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties with family and friends. All were welcome. They were blessed with many wonderful neighbors from Comanche, Dyemeadow, and Lake Fenton.

Dick was preceded in death by his younger brother, Mark; his parents; older brother, Harold; son, Harold August (Augie), and special Aunt Mable.

Surviving to carry his legacy are wife, Donna; children, Susan (Gary) Cummings, Rick (Penny) Wirsing, Margaret (Randy) Horton, Lora Wirsing; sister, Marian (Dane) Farner; grandchildren, James, Michael, Carrie, Julie, Melissa, Katie, and niece, Fran; great-grandchildren, Landon, Grayson, Lawson, Colton, Addison, Amory, Aya, and Zack.

The family would like to express their gratitude and recognize hospice nurse, Cindy Shepherd; personal care assistant, Liz Reynolds; the very special staff of Safe Hands, and personal barber and friend, Janet Jones. Without these people, it would not have been possible to keep Dad in his own bed in those last days.