March 13, 2011
REST IN PEACE
WILHELM, MR. RICHARD JOSEPH "DICK" (Widower of Dorothy) Muskegon Mr. Richard Joseph "Dick" Wilhelm, age 82, passed away Sunday evening, March 13, 2011 in Muskegon. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on September 28, 1928 to Richard H. and Hilda A. (Hils) Wilhelm. Dick received his Master of Speech and Drama Degree from Northwestern University, a Master of Theology Degree from Marquette University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Classical Language from St. Fidelis College, Herman, PA. He served as Dean of Students at St. Fidelis Seminary and 22 years as a Roman Catholic Priest in Pennsylvania before receiving his dispensation from Pope Paul VI in 1976 relieving him of his obligations. He then married the former Dorothy O. Carlson in 1976 and continued his teaching career at Muskegon Catholic Schools and Muskegon Public Schools before retiring in 1989. Dick was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church where he served as lector and a guest homilist. SURVIVORS include his step-daughter, Sandra Siegel; four step-granddaughters, Michelle, Erin, Jodi, Mary; several step great-grandchildren; nephews, Dan and Eric Wilhelm and nieces, Connie Deniker and Nancy Metcalf. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his parents and his brother, Norbert Wilhelm. The MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated at 1:00 PM Wednesday at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Michael Olson presiding. VISITATION will be from 5-8 PM this evening at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. (231) 726-5210 and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. INTERMENT will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. MEMORIALS to the Muskegon YMCA or Harbor Hospice - Poppen Residence would be appreciated. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
Richard ordained in 1954 for Capuchins.