Obituary of Richard Hiszak

Richard Joseph Hiszak was born on January 3, 1931, in Toledo, Ohio.  He was one of six children born to the union of Julius Hiszak and Cornelia (Csizek) Hiszak.  He proudly served his country in the United States Navy receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1950.

On August 25, 1951, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Toledo, Ohio Richard married the love of his life, the former, Shirley Gruber and together they were blessed with three wonderful children.  Having a very strong faith in God, Richard and Shirley were devout members of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Temperance, Michigan.  They loved to travel to warm climates and often made stops in the Caribbean and Mexico. Richard loved his wife Shirley devotedly.

An excellent provider and teacher, Richard worked as an electrician for more than twenty years at Chrysler.  A Jack of all Trades, he was knowledgeable about many subjects and inquisitively enjoyed tinkering on and fixing things.  If Richard did not know how to fix a problem, he just invented “better” ways to accomplish the task.  He attended night school to learn the heating and cooling business.

Richard Joseph Hiszak, age 92 of Erie, Michigan passed away on Tuesday; December 26, 2023, at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio.  He had struggled the past two years with several afflictions and two falls inevitably led to his demise.  His passing was preceded by his parents; a grandson: Craig Baer; three sisters: Irene Mominee, Mary Ann Bohmer, and Delores Malosh; and a brother: Robert Hiszak.

To cherish Richard’s memory he leaves his loving and devoted wife of seventy-two years: Shirley Hiszak of Erie, Michigan; two daughters: Karen (Greg) Baer and Cheryl Stanford, both of Temperance, Michigan; a son: Randy (Maggie) Hiszak of Toledo, Ohio; a sister: Connie Mosley; three grandchildren: Jessica (Tom) Podhola, Cori McCarthy and Lindsay Stanford; thirteen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Richard fought a valiant fight before being delivered to his heavenly reward and eternal peace. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Friends may gather from 12:30pm until 1:30pm on Wednesday; January 3, 2024, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church; 8330 Lewis Ave, Temperance, Michigan 48182.  A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:30pm also at the church with Father Robert Slaten as celebrant.  Military Honors will follow under the auspices of Erie Veterans of Foreign War Post 3925.  His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199.  Richard’s wishes were to help and educate others by becoming a donor to the University of Toledo Anatomical Donation Program.

Memorial contributions in honor of Richard are suggested to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort and or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.