Richard Winton Gensch, Warsaw, passed away at 1:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at Warsaw Meadows Care Center at the age of 86.
He was born April 15, 1932, in Woodstock, Ill., to Florence Augusta Maxwell Wolcott and Herbert Charles Gensch. On Feb. 14, 1959, he was married to Betty Rae Vaughn.
Richard attended Warsaw High School and served in the National Guard from 1949-1950. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1950-1954. He was honorably discharged as an airman second class on June 12, 1954.
He worked as a machinist for Kimble Glass, Warsaw, for 14 years and was a member of Winona Lake Free Methodist Church. He enjoyed singing and loved model trains and model cars.
He and his wife loved being parents, raising their own children as well as six foster children. He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather.
He will be lovingly remembered by his two sons, Herbert “Bart” Charles (Sherrie) Gensch, Warsaw, and Richard “Rick” Wayne (Mary Helen) Gensch, Pierceton; and three daughters: Suzy Horina, Troy, Mo.; Sarah (Matt) Dillon, Troy; and Sandra (Greg) Wireman, Warsaw. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren, multiple great-grandchildren and his sister, Beverly Kimball, Fort Myers, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Rae Gensch; sister, Donnaberta Miner; and his son-in-law, Mark Horina.
A service in memory of Dick Gensch is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Winona Lake Free Methodist Church, 902 College Ave., Winona Lake. There will be visitation with the family prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
A graveside service will take place at a later date with burial at Germania (Wis.) Cemetery.
Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw.
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Memorials to Winona Lake Free Methodist Church-Youth Camp, 902 College Ave., Winona Lake, IN 46590.
Condolences may be sent at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
