Richard Joseph Werth

Richard Joseph Werth, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away at his home on February 5, 2011, surrounded by his family. Richard was born in Alpena, MI on April 16, 1935 to Rosetta (Allard) and Melbourne Werth. When he was a boy, Richard's family moved to East Tawas, MI where he attended Tawas Area Schools. He was a class president and a member of the last graduating class from East Tawas High School. As a young man, Richard was a Golden Glove boxer. He joined the Army in 1953 and served as a member of the 82nd Airborne. He was stationed in Greenland and made 19 jumps as a paratrooper. In his retirement years, Richard developed a passion for the game of golf. He enjoyed golfing during his winters in Florida, and he was ranger at the Nightmare and the Dream during his summers. He was especially proud of his hole-in-one at the Sun Air Country Club and enjoyed retelling the story. In 1960, Richard married the love of his life, Carol (Simmons) Werth, and they enjoyed 50 years together, raising four daughters; Carla Koch (Gary Shintani) of Midland, MI , Tracey (Kirk) Bielby of Jackson, MI; Deanna (Rick) Davidson of Naples, FL; and Shannon (Mark) Lorenz of Greenville, MI. In 1965, Richard moved his family to West Branch as part of his employment with Michigan Consolidated Gas Company. He immediately became active in the West Branch community, serving as a volunteer for the West Branch Fire Department for 27 years. Richard was a member of the West Branch City Council and served as mayor of the city for 10 years. Richard was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and he served as a church elder for many years. Richard was first and foremost a family man. He dearly loved his wife and daughters and passionately fulfilled his role as their provider and protector, a responsibility he maintained to the end. His favorite role during his retirement years was that of grandfather to his four grandsons; Jason Koch, Josh Koch, Jordan Koch, and Kyle Lorenz. He avidly attended their sporting events, shared vacations with them, and just enjoyed hanging out. He was very proud and touched by the loving care they provided him throughout this past year following his accident. In addition to his wife, daughters, and grandsons, Richard is survived by his sister Julie Smith (Tawas City, MI, brother Lewis (Lynn) Werth, Caro, MI, and sister Laurie (Robert) Glancy, Tawas City, MI as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Gailya Hunt and Donna Clements. Funeral services will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in West Branch at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 10, 2011. Visitation will be held at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM and Wednesday, February 9, 2011 from 12:00 - 8:00 PM. Rev. Howard Travis will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider St. John's Lutheran Church or a charity of their choice.