Richard Walter Banaszak "Dick"

Richard Banaszak, beloved husband, father, grandfather, Papa B, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by the love of his family, who will forever cherish his strength, warmth and quiet wisdom. He was born to the late Adolph and Isabelle (Marchlewicz) Banaszak on September 19, 1939 in Bay City, Michigan.

Born with a deep sense of duty and honor, Richard is a United States Army Veteran who proudly served his country. His dedication to service extended well beyond the military. After serving his time he dedicated a career of 43 years to General Motors where he worked as a tool and die maker.

Richard was a man of deep Catholic faith who trusted in God’s plan and walked humbly in his beliefs. He served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister. He was initiated as a Lay Minister and a member of the Legion of Mary. He found great joy in ministering to others and living out his calling in everyday life. A proud and active 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 414, Richard lived out his faith through service and fraternity. One of his greatest spiritual joys was praying the Rosary, often taking quiet time to meditate and draw closer to God through this devotion.

He found God’s presence most clearly in the stillness of the woods, especially while hunting, one of his favorite pastimes. He had a deep respect for nature and the peace it offered. That same love for creation extended to his home, where he took great pride in tending to his rose garden, a peaceful and beautiful space he lovingly cared for.

Richard was also a man of curiosity and adventure. When he was younger, he enjoyed painting duck decoys. He had a lifelong passion for building and flying model airplanes, finding joy in the precision, challenge, and creativity the hobby brought. He loved the great outdoors and often spent time camping with family and friends, creating memories under the stars. Alongside his beloved wife, he enjoyed traveling, exploring new places and cultures, and embracing the beauty of God’s world.

Above all, Richard was a devoted husband and father – loving, faithful and steadfast. His family was the center of his world. He found his greatest joy in being surrounded by those he loved – sharing stories, laughter, and simple, meaningful moments. His legacy will be one of faith, devotion, service and unwavering love.

Richard’s life was a gift to all who knew him, and though his physical presence will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing he now rests in eternal peace, held in the arms of his Savior.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Maryellen (Leppek) Banaszak, who he absolutely adored and united in marriage with on December 9, 2006.

He was the loving father of Shari (Paul) Mehlhose, Mark R. Banaszak, Lisa (Patrick) Steffen and Mark J. Banaszak. Also, Maryellen’s children who he embraced as his own, Judy (Ed) Summers, Steve (Barb) Leppek, Jeanette (Gary) Rudy, Roger Leppek and Colleen (Jeremy) Rosenbrock;

Loving grandfather of Daniel (Tracy), Gregory (fiancé Stephanie), Renae, Nicole, Michael, Gina, Emily, Megan, Nicole (Loren). Loving Papa B of Lindsey, Breanna, Nathan, Stephen (Mickenzie), Danelle, Michelle (Marty), Kayla (Daniel), Matthew, Erica (Alex), Jack, Katie and Sawyer. Great grandchildren, Luxor, Caleb, Emma, Gia, Anthony, Nickolas, Alexis, Evelyn, Lily, Ella, Connor, Olivia and Paisley and sister-in-law, Jeanette Banaszak.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Banaszak and brother, Robert Banaszak.

The family will be present to receive visitors at Gephart Funeral Home on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. there will be a Rosary, followed by a Bible and Chalace Presentation, and a Prayer Service officiated by Rev. Fr. Jose Cabrera. Funeral Mass for Richard will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Parish with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Co-celebrants will be Rev. Fr. James Bessert and Rev. Fr. Robert Byrne. Military Honors to follow conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council and the United States Army. Private interment will follow the luncheon at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Fisherville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made in Richard’s honor to Knights of Columbus Council 414.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord” – Matthew 25:23