Richard W. Dufresne

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, Wis. 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 TV 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, Ariz.; nieces, Nancy Kobasic of Tustin, Calif.,, 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, from noon until 1 p.m. at the St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation 1 p.m. 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. Please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com to leave a message of condolence to the family.