Richard W. Dufresne, age 94, of Escanaba, passed away on his birthday Monday, March 22, 2021 at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.
Richard was born in Escanaba on March 22, 1927 to Robert and Florence (Heath) Dufresne. He graduated from Escanaba area high school in 1945. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1947. Upon being honorably discharged, Richard enrolled at the University of Michigan and graduated in 1956 with degrees in mathematics and physics. After graduation, Richard was a Cisterion Monk for a year and a half. He then went to work for Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee, WI and retired from there in 1992, at that time he moved back to Escanaba.
Richard was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church and served as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and an altar server. He also helped lead the rosary for many years. He was a daily communicant. He was a member of the American Legion, the Elks, the Eagles, the Knights of Columbus, and also belonged to the Escanaba Country Club for many years.
His Catholic faith was all important. He strongly believed Jesus Christ is Lord. His primary interest was a pursuit of the face of the Lord. Spiritual books were his passion. EWTN was his favorite T.V. channel.
In addition to his Parents, Richard was preceded in death by:
Brother: Paul (Ruth) Dufresne
Sister: Jean (Tony) Kobasic
Richard is survived by:
Nephew: Richard (Sandy) Kobasic of Phoenix, AZ
Nieces: Nancy Kobasic of Tustin, CA, Laura Rudd of Crofton, MD, and Carol Trent of Upper Marlboro, MD,
And several Cousins and close friends, especially Matthew (Cathy) Peltin and Jim Switchenberg.
Family will receive friends Friday, April 9, 2021 from Noon until 1:00 PM at the St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation 1:00 PM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Fran DeGroot officiating. Richard will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Dufresne family.
Laura Rudd - Crofton, MD
I sure will miss our wonderful Uncle. He was kind, wise and inspiring. He was so much fun to be with when we were growing up. He took us skiing, on road trips to Presque Isle, out for pizza, to movies, and bars and restaurants in Escanaba. He was also thoughtful and caring to the elderly members of our family, visiting and helping them. He shared memories of his childhood, living in Escanaba, visiting family in Bark River, and being with his Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He set a good example of being compassionate for people who were less fortunate. He was devoted to his faith, and we learned from him by his good deeds. Praying that God continues to bless him, and that he is with the Saints and Angels now.
james Schwichtenberg - Gladstone, MI
I will miss you old friend, Friday cocktails and fish at the Elks and H&H. I appreciated your knowledgeable input and understanding in our many discussions.You were a wise man and I valued your opinion. Thank God we all had you for many years.
Sue & Steve Javurek - Escanaba , Mi
We certainly will miss Richard. He was so full of wisdom and knowledge and shared so much every time we’d see him at daily mass. We also enjoyed him at OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE prayer cenacle every Tuesday morning. He always kept us on track, he loved having his cups of coffee, and yes several spoonfuls of sugar. Loved picking raspberries at his home too. He was an amazing man. He will be sadly missed.
The Trents - Cambridge, MA
We sure will miss you, Unc. You were a big part of our lives: Lighting candles at St.Annes; discussing poetry and physics over pasties at Lake Superior or Ludington Park; raspberry picking and cookouts at your house; long talks about philosophy and the stock market over biig breakfasts , and countless phone conversations about family, music and spiritual readings.
“With rue my heart is laden for golden friends I had.” A.E.Housman. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Jan C Kidd-Dahn - Escanaba, MI
RIP Mr Dufresne,
A few years ago after the morning Mass, you offered to have Communion brought to me. I never forgot you or your kind gesture. Thank you kind Sir for your thoughtfulness, and may you rest in eternal peace.
John Costa - New Berlin, WI
I worked with Dick for 10 years at Allis Chalmers, shared his love for the Green Bay Packers at games in Milwaukee and Green Bay and have been friends for over 60 years. Dick was a great friend and will be missed by all who knew him. RIP my friend.