David L. Kreucher

Frankenmuth, MI

David Lee Kreucher passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on September 30, 2020, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's disease. His beloved wife Rhea was at his side.

David was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 25, 1939, and was baptized on Christmas Eve of that year. The most memorable moments of his early youth occurred when he lived with his parents and his Grandma and Grandpa Kaufman on a farm in Washington Township, Michigan.

But David's remarkable journey can be said to have started at the early age of 14 when he had to leave home. He worked on a neighboring farm to earn a bed, and he set pins at a bowling alley for money. At 17 he dropped out of high school to join the 82 ^nd Airborne, where he proudly served from 1957 through 1960.

Upon being honorably discharged, he met the love of his life, Rhea Hesla. David became a confirmed member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Utica, Michigan, on June 11, 1961, and he and Rhea were married in the same church on July 1, 1961. During this same period, he earned his high school diploma and began to learn as much in the engineering field as possible. David took college courses in the evening as he continued his quest for self-improvement and knowledge, all while raising his young family.

David moved his family to Frankenmuth in 1974 after he accepted the position to head research and development for Wickes Machine Tool. The family became a member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. His treasured mother- and father-in-law, Maurine and Atwood Hesla, followed the family in 1979 and lived next door.

David designed special machines for the auto industry. Those who knew him professionally spoke of his remarkable ability to move a raw idea for a complex machine from concept to reality. David's continuous self-study eventually resulted in certification by the California State Board of Registration as a Professional Engineer, Manufacturing. To qualify for the prestigious distinction, applicants needed to "complete an extensive course of study offered by the University of California, Los Angeles, and have a B.S. Degree or equivalent education in engineering plus a minimum of eleven years' experience in the field of manufacturing engineering."

David was awarded several patents during his career. He accumulated his own library of engineering books and materials as he continued his pursuit to self-educate. His effort to develop knowledge ended only after Alzheimer's deprived him of his ability to learn.

He was married for 59 years to his cherished wife Rhea. They had three children, Jon, Brian, and Kristen, whom he loved and was proud of beyond words. As the family circle grew through marriage and the blessings of grandchildren, so did his love, pride, and time with family. They spent many happy summers together with their children and grandchildren on Marquette Island in the Les Cheneaux Islands. While there, David mastered the difficult art of manipulating pancakes into complex characters, all at his grandchildren's request and delight. David enjoyed blues music, but the highlight of his life was to spend time with his children and grandchildren, whom he adored and amused.

Surviving besides his wife Rhea are children Jon (Christy) Kreucher, Brian (Martha) Kreucher, Kristen (Michael) Hecht; grandchildren Sophia, Connor, and Evelyn Kreucher; Jordyn and Kylie Kreucher; Shayna and Michael Hecht; sister Darlene (Gerald) Marchioni; brother Daniel (Terri) Kreucher; sisters-in-law Donna Miller and Carol Hesla; and many special nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his dear mother and father-in-law, Marine and Atwood Hesla; his parents Andrew and Geraldine Kreucher; sisters Diane and Dawn; brother Dean; and brothers-in-law George Miller and James Hesla.

Funeral Service will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2020, 1:00 p.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth. The service can also be viewed on the St. Lorenz Lutheran Church website at www.stlorenz.org . Rev. Joel Kaiser will officiate. Burial to take place in St. Lorenz Cemetery. Due to COVID 19 an effort to keep social distancing will be in place. Visitation at the church will start at noon. After paying last respects, those attending the funeral are asked to please take their seat. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, VNA Hospice, or a Charity of Donor's Choice.