Richard Robert Rosswurm

The world lost a wonderful and caring man on January 17, 2018 with the passing of Richard the wurm Rosswurm.” He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sondra (Nissen), and is survived by his family; daughters Amy and husband Troy Reilly, of Maumee, Elizabeth and husband Peter Theodorou, of Toledo and son Rodney and wife Amy of Clarkston, Michigan.” He also had six loving grandchildren who were the light of his life: Tyler Reilly, Travis and Courtney Rosswurm, and Logan, Blake and Nikko Theodorou. Richard was born on December 31, 1936 and was raised by his mother, Clara, in Dundee, Michigan along with his two brothers and two sisters - Alvin, Donald, Barbara and Nancy.” As a child Richard enjoyed playing along the River Raisin rafting and fishing although much of his free time was spent on the playground working on his basketball skills.” He and his family later moved to Toledo, Ohio where he is remembered by many as an extremely talented basketball star at DeVilbiss High School during the mid-1950s where he earned his nickname the wurm”.” He went on to attend Bowling Green State University on a basketball scholarship.” After a year at Bowling Green State University Richard went on to join the U.S. Army.” Following an honorable discharge, Richard joined other family members at Dana Corporation where he retired after 38 years of management services. Although basketball was a passion for Richard he always had his eyes on a bigger prize, Sondra.” The first date they went on was to their junior prom.” They went on to enjoy picnics along the Maumee River and burgers at White Hut.” After three years of dating they got engaged at a dance at Centennial Terrace on December 31, 1958.” They were married on September 13, 1959 and had their reception at the Tivoli, her parents (Arne and Ernestine Nissen) restaurant. During retirement nothing delighted Richard more than spending time with his children and grandchildren.” He never missed attending the grandchildrens activities.” Whether it was a sporting or dance event he was always there with a smile and offering a kind word of encouragement.” He was always so kind and loving and will be missed by all.” Richard also enjoyed sporting events of any kind, golfing, fishing in Northern Michigan, spending the winters in Florida and a “5:00 somewhere” martini.” That tradition will live on in his honor. A memorial service for Richard will be held at St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Temperance, Michigan, on Saturday, February 3, 2018.” Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. with services following an hour later. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).” JDRF, 24359 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 125, Southfield, MI 48075, www.jdrf.org, The family asks that you spend time with your loved ones and make a toast in his memory.” This is what Richard would wish.