Richard Gatza (age 82), passed away on July 17, 2025. Loving husband of Ruth Gatza. Dear father of Elizabeth (Chris) Tropp, Kevin (Noelia) Gozdzik, and Mary (Josh) Ware. Cherished grandpa of Morgan, Emma, Logan, Gavin, Madison, Noah, Ethan, and Evan. Brother of Nancy (Eddie) Krantz. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Henrietta Gatza and stepson's Michael Walters, and Mark Gozdzik.

Richard served in the US Army during the Vietnam War where he earned a Bronze Star and other awards for his bravery and leadership. He was a proud Ford employee for 40 years at the Rouge Steel Plant. He then worked as a tour guide at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant for 20 years. He was a volunteer for many organizations throughout his life, some of which include the Henry Ford Heritage Association, the Dearborn Music Guild, Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Estate. He was passionate about all things Henry Ford and the Ford Brand. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 5112. He was an avid member of Christ the King church for many years. He was a member of the Escanaba River Lodge since 1983 where he loved to go and "hunt" for deer. He always loved to tell a good joke and was the "king" of bad dad jokes. He was very humble with a heart of gold and always showed great kindness to everyone. He loved his family deeply, especially his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the American Cancer Society