Richard Lee Durga
May 18, 1933 – July 3, 2023
Richard Lee Durga, age 90, passed away on July 3, 2023, at the Medilodge of Munising with his Goddaughter (niece Lissa Tann) by his bedside.
Richard was born in Wexford Co., Michigan, on May 18, 1933 to the late Chester Sr. and Daisy (Browning) Durga. He was one of eleven children. Growing up, the family moved from farm to farm following work.
He met his wife Gloria (Lehto) when his family moved to Newberry. They were married on April 17, 1954. Richard then joined the armed services and served for 2 years as a helicopter mechanic.
Richard and Gloria settled in Traverse City, Michigan, where he worked for the Department of Mental Health in the maintenance department until his retirement. Once retired, his dream came true: he got his lakehouse on Big Manistique Lake with a dock, a boat and a million dollar sunset he enjoyed every chance he could.
He loved country western music, and he and Gloria even squared danced on TV in their younger days. His hobbies were fishing, hunting, woodworking, making puzzles/games for his nieces and nephews, RVing south in the winter, volunteering to read to students, and pending time with family and friends – whether it was eating, talking or playing games.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife Gloria, his parents and his siblings and their spouses: Donald Durga, Leonard (Betty) Durga and Roland (Sue) Durga, Lillian (Durga) Rundqist, Wilma Durga (Jim) Schrub, Chester Jr. Durga, Max Harris and numerous other in-laws.
He is survived by his Godchild, niece Lissa Tann; his siblings and their spouses, Wayne (Diane) Durga, Jack (Carolyn) Durga, Gerry (Darlene Durga) Fisher, Beverly (Durga) Harris, Karen (Larcom) Durga; many, many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, along with greats and great-greats.
Per his request, cremation services were accorded and a combined memorial for both Richard and Gloria will be held at the Lakefield Township Hall on September 16, 2023 at 1 p.m.
Memorials may be directed to research for Agitation in Alzheimer’s in his memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
