- Date Of Death: November 4, 2006
- State: Michigan
Richard W. Pirkel, 62, formerly of New Buffalo, Michigan and Janesville, Wisconsin, died Friday, November 3, 2006 in Ft. Wayne, IndianaDick was born June 25, 1944 in Watertown, Wisconsin to John E and Lucile (Nimm) Pirkel. He graduated from Janesville High School and served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. Dick was employed as a truck driver for Interstate Trucking Company in New Buffalo, ACI of Flint, Michigan, Jatco and JDC Trucking Company in Wisconsin.
He also drove as an owner-operator for Mayflower and North American Van Lines for many years and worked with his son, Ted, at Aquasultants in New Buffalo and Three Oaks, Michigan. He enjoyed helping people and fixing things, which led to his own business, Handyman Dick Pirkel, in New Buffalo. Dick was also active in the Boy Scouts as leader of Troop 552 and pack leader of the Cub Scouts Pack 552 of New Buffalo. To say that Dick loved Christmas is an understatement, as he enjoyed celebrating Christmas all year long.
Dick was also very patriotic and loved his country.Survivors include his children, Richard J. (Toni) Pirkel of Michigan City, Indiana; Ted (Kristie) Pirkel of Three Oaks and Shan’te (Steve) Ohst of St. Joseph, Michigan; many grandchildren; one great grandchild; his brother, John (Doris) Pirkel of Watertown; sisters, Kathy (Merlin) Christianson of Janesville, Wisconsin and Nancy (Ray) Biggerstaff of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; sister-in-law, Agnes, wife of his late brother Charlie, of Watertown; and his step children, Matt North and Laura North, both of Illinois. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, Charlie Pirkel.
