David E. Rich

On October 14, 2024, David Rich, with wife Gretchen at his side, peacefully succumbed to his failing earthly body and finally saw his savior, Jesus, face-to-face. Dave would be the first to admit he didn’t lead a perfect life, even though we believe he still heard his savior say “well done, good and faithful servant.”  

Dave was born on March 8, 1940 to his loving parents, Ernest and Mary Rich. He was the second of 6 kids - Irene, Dave, Harv, Nancy, Jim and Linda. At a young age, he learned to work hard and how to get in trouble. He would tell us stories of being “voluntold" to pick vegetables in the fields with his sister, Irene, and of setting pins at the bowling alley down the street. He also told us how he admired his parents’ work ethic and had a deep love and respect, in particular, for his mom. We could never cook as good as she did. :)  

Dad loved to reminisce and told the same stories year after year, sometimes day after day, if he had a new audience. He told us stories of camping with the Boy Scouts and summers serving at Camp Anokijig. He told of his basketball exploits and joining the choir at church and of how understanding God’s love for him changed his life at age 18. Dad’s deep love of God and desire to honor Him guided him well throughout his life.  

It may be hard to imagine, but Dave was a shy teen - however, once his wife-to-be, Jeanine, caught his interest on a double date he was hooked. They were married in 1964 and together invested in their own 3 kids (Stephanie, Sarah and Chad) as well as countless others while serving at Rawhide Boys Ranch and later in youth ministries. Most of Dave’s life though, he worked hard as a contractor, helping many people maintain and beautify their houses, and their homes - never passing up an opportunity for a cup of coffee, a piece of dessert, and time to talk - often sharing his faith and encouraging others.  

In 1998 Dave married Gretchen after losing his first wife, Jeanine, to cancer. Over the last 26 years Dave and Gretchen have loved building a life together, enjoying family, spending time with their kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, in-laws and nieces and nephews. Even though dad lived with a lot of pain over the last 5 years, we would often hear him singing old hymns throughout the day - praising his savior. Dad looked forward to eternity and all things being made right, and shared his hope that “we shall be like Jesus, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).  

The family will be celebrating Dave’s life privately. Dad won’t want us to celebrate his life though, but rather celebrate his good and loving God. We encourage you to take time to do the same. Summer 2025 we are planning a celebration of life gathering in Racine for friends and family. If you want to give a gift in Dave’s memory, a few of dad’s favorite ministries are Prison Fellowship, Doctors Without Borders and taking care of widows.