Richard R. "Rich" Walukonis' Obituary
Mr. Richard R. “Rich” Walukonis, age 82, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2012. He was born on May 9, 1929 in Muskegon to John and Anna Walukonis, Sr., and resided in the area all of his life. Rich worked for Matco for many years, before retiring in 1987. He was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, and former member of the Knights of Columbus and Lithuanian Club. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Rich was also the founder and co-owner of the Leo Riegler Corporation. On May 6, 1950, he married the former Jacqueline “Jackie” Riegler at St. Joseph’s in Muskegon and together celebrated 61 years of marriage. Jackie survives him along with 7 children, Edward (Barbara) Walukonis of Stow, Ohio and their children, Edward and Ryan Walukonis, Jessica (Steve) Casey and great grandson, Kyle; Janet Walker of Whitehall and her children, David and Susan Walker; Nancy (Dr. J.D.) Parr of Baldwin, Kansas and their children, Anna (Trey) Ammons and Eleanor Parr; Michael (Ann) Walukonis of Muskegon and their children, Benjamin, Angela, Anthony, Stanley, and Casey Walukonis; Michelle (Walter) Meyers of W. Monroe, Louisiana and their children, Ashley (Chad) Painter, Joe and Tyler Meyers; Bill (Darcy) Walukonis of Cedar Springs and their children, Nickolas and Arabella Walukonis; Joseph (Julie) Walukonis of Orion, MI and their children, Justin, Jessica, and Jordan Walukonis. Rich has 1 brother, John (Joan) Walukonis of Florida. He was preceded in death by 4 great grandchildren, Nathaniel, Zackariah, Madyson Walukonis and Alexander Casey; sister, Rita Wasenar; and son-in-law, David Walker. The MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be 11AM Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church (1100 Dykstra Rd.). VISITATION with the family will be 4-7 PM Thursday at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100 with the Rosary being prayed at 6PM. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial Contributions to Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation or Harbor Hospice will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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