Richard Edwin Wietfeldt

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend was called home to the Lord his Savior on Monday, February 12, 2024, at his home, with his family at his side. Richard Edwin Wietfeldt was born on October 30, 1933, the eldest son of nine children of the late Edwin Henry and Mabel Violet (Kube) Wietfeldt. He worked on the family farm on Geddes Road until graduating from Hemlock High School in 1954. He was drafted in to the United States Army in November, 1954, where he served for two years until he was Honorably Discharged in October, 1957. Upon his return, Richard bought his own home with 40 acres of farmland in Merrill, Michigan and married Lois Diener on January 24, 1959. He worked construction for several builders in the area, Willis Builders of Saginaw, Roberson Builders LLC of Midland; while also farming, raising steers, pigs, and chickens. Richard and Lois built their lives together with their four children, David, Joyce, Betty, and Arlene; until Lois became ill and predeceased him in death on January 26, 1975. 

Richard enjoyed farming, wood working, gardening, puzzles, and square dancing which is where he met Sally Wallace, they married on March 16, 1985. They enjoyed many 4H adventures and trips. In 2016, they went on an Alaskan Cruise and visited the Eielson Air Base, 60 years after Richard had served in the United States Army. 

Richard was predeceased in death by his first wife: Lois Wietfeldt; his parents: Edwin and Mabel Wietfeldt; sisters: Dorothy Sandow, Ann Schomaker; father- and mother-in-law: Fred and Caroline (Kade) Diener; sisters-in-law: Florence Dittmar, Alice Rauchholz, Joyce Diener, Janet Wietfeldt, Betty Bennett; brothers-in-law: Larry, August, and Ralph Diener, Dale Schomaker, John Dietrich, Duane Bruse, Howard Sandow; and his sons-in-law: Greg Duve and Richard Brown.

Surviving Richard are his wife: Sally Wietfeldt; and his four children: David (Betsy) Wietfeldt, Joyce Duve, Betty (Brian) Reno, Arlene (Cary) Gillings; grandchildren: Chris (Alicia) Wietfeldt, Brandon Wietfeldt (Jenna Diener), Lindsey (Nick) Grillo, Bethany (Tony) Grillo, Alan Reno, Michelle (Jon) Hagler, Laura (Bernie) Nowak, Jennifer Gillings, Megan Gillings; great-grandchildren: Isaac, Blake, Arthur, and Lennox; step-children: Kirk (Michele) Dittenber, Penny Dittenber, Steve Dittenber; adopted step-grandchildren: Bonnie, Jessica, and Curtis Wietfeldt, step-grandchildren: Coral Vogel and Aaron Brown; step-great-grandchildren: Tyson, Amelia, Lucas, Aubree, and Ella; brothers: Harold (Angie) Wietfeldt, Paul (Nancy) Wietfeldt, Waldin (Dawn) Wietfeldt; sisters: Laura Estep, Mary Jo Bruse, Lois Dietrich; brothers-in-law: Alvin Diener, Harold (Marlene) Diener, Kenny (Carolyn) Diener, Robert (Kathy) Wallace; sisters-in-law: Doris (Bill) Horneber and Janet Diener. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. 

Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church, 17927 Dice Rd, Hemlock, MI 48626. Rev. Larry Warsinski will officiate with burial to follow at Richland Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may visit the family from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 N. Miller Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Zion Iva Lutheran Church: Helping Hands Program, Senior Services of Midland County: Meals on Wheels Program, or charity of your choice. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 201 N. Miller Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609. Please share your memories and condolences with the family at the visitation, service, or online at https://www.casefuneralhome.com.