Richard Gerald Achatz Sr.'s Obituary
Born to the late Thomas Sobczyk and Mary Klasztorowski and adoptive parents the late Adam and Dorothy Achatz, Richard Gerald Achatz, Sr. passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, at the age of 82 after a brief illness.
While he grew up in St. Clair helping out on the farm, he developed into a skilled electrician and supervisor for over 30 years, known to many as Dick or Butch, was a true jack of all trades. There was no project too big, no garage too cluttered, and no tool he didn't know how to use (or at least pretend he did). He was happiest with a woodworking project at his hands, a classic car show on the calendar, and a cold Dr. Pepper within reach.
In his younger days, hunting and fishing with his son brought him joy, but so did a solid plate of comfort food and a good round of gossip at his favorite restaurant of 30+years. He had sass for days, a heart as big as his laugh, and a soft spot for his grand-dogs (though he'd insist he wasn't biased to a certain blue eyed one...we all know better).
Richard cherished spontaneous road trips with his sister Sharon and episodes of Two & a half Men---preferably enjoyed with lemon pudding in hand. He was the kind of man who'd give you the shirt off his back (but only delivering a perfectly sarcastic comment first). He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 40 years, Jeanne, his son Kevin, and his sister Rita.
He is survived by his son Richard, daughter Shelley, and grandchildren; Ashlee, Arika, Brittany, Nick, and Courtney. He also leaves behind his siblings Mark, Tom, and Sharon, along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss his one-of-a-kind-charm.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. Visiting hours will be from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on day of service. In true Richard fashion, we'll remember him not in sorrow, but with a smirk, a story, and maybe spontaneous road trip of our own.
Memorials may be made to family wishes. To leave the family a message of comfort visit: www.youngcolonial.com
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