June 13, 1926 - Jan. 21, 2010SOUTH BEND - Richard Evans Greulich passed away unexpectedly from a stroke on Thursday. We are thankful he was a man of faith. He was born on June 13, 1926, to Andrew and Helen (Evans) Greulich, both deceased. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Robert and Jack Greulich; his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Shepherd. Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, wife, Martha (Marty), whom he wed on November 13, 1948, in Richmond, IN. His children are sons, Richard E. Greulich Jr. (Donna) of Glen Ridge, NJ, James (Tracy) Greulich; daughters, Kathryn (John) Hummer, Cheryl (Gary) Vargo. Grandchildren include Kristen (Dr. Jared) Dhaemers, Dr. Kathryn (Dr. Jason) Gray of Bloomington, Brett (Traci) Hummer, Jennifer Hummer, Merrill Greulich of New York, Anna Greulich and Sophia Greulich of Glen Ridge, NJ, Grant Vargo, Emma Vargo, Jace Vargo, Andrew Greulich, Lea Greulich, Monica Greulich, all of South Bend. Great-grandchildren are Matthew Dhaemers, Ben Dhaemers, Jane Dhaemers, Parker Gray (Bloomington) and Cole Hummer. Dick served in the U.S. Army, 3rd Army, 9th Division, 1st Constabulary, stationed in Germany. Dick attended Earlham College (Richmond, IN) and completed an Executive Development Program at the Wharton School of Finance (University of Pennsylvania). Dick and Marty moved from Richmond to South Bend in 1948, where Dick joined Harrison and Austin, Inc., thereby commencing what turned into a 53 year-long career as a stock broker. Dick became president of Harrison and Austin, selling the firm to City Securities Corp. in 1973, whereupon Dick assumed the position of Senior Vice President. His clients enjoyed the benefits of Dick's wise counsel and personalized service until his retirement in 2007 at age 80. Dick played baseball in high school and college, and while serving in the Army in post-war Germany was invited to play on the European Theater All-Star Baseball traveling team. He enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball for Grace Methodist Church, and at age 58 led the team to its first league championship by pitching 16 innings to win the title game in extra innings. He continued playing competitive softball with the Battell Center League through last summer, and was oiling his mitt, looking forward to the upcoming season. Dick was also an avid tennis player, playing regularly up until age 80. He enjoyed the competition and camaraderie of his teammates. Dick valued the friendships developed through community service. He was a member, past president and Paul Harris Fellow of the South Bend Downtown Rotary Club, with 51 years of perfect attendance. Dick served on the Boards of Directors of the South Bend Symphony and the Economic Club of Michiana. He was a Junior Achievement Sponsor, a member of the South Bend Museum of Art, The Dance Club, a Boy Scout leader, and lent support to many other organizations and charities. For many years, Dick and Marty were Santa and Mrs. Claus for Potowatomi Zooltide, charity events, neighbors and friends. His involvement in the community led to countless deep and lasting friendships, and modeled the importance of community involvement to his children. Dick deeply loved this country, closely followed politics, and was never seen without his American flag pin. For 31 years he and his wife hosted and sponsored the annual Miami Trails Neighborhood 4th of July Parade. As Grand Marshall, Dick led over 500 neighbors in costumes, on floats or on decorated bikes. The parade ended at their home, where everyone received prizes and refreshments as the Dick and Marty's way of giving back to the community, while celebrating the privilege of living in this country. Dick and Marty were a couple sweetly in love throughout their 61 years of marriage, dancing through their days, filling their home with love that touched everyone. Dick was the epitome of a family man, encouraging his children and 13 grandchildren to pursue their interests and providing them with the opportunities to do so. Dick and his wife always attended their sporting events or performances, proudly cheering them on. Dick loved nature. Summers were spent surrounded by family at his pool, where there was always a bevy of activities. Family times were always filled with laughter and an appreciation for time spent together. Dick and Marty also enjoyed tropical retreats and European jaunts, where Dick reunited with other Greulichs in Germany. Dick was a gentleman, a hardworking self-made man who cherished his wife and dedicated his life to loving and providing for his family. He lived his life with great integrity, and despite his accomplishments, Dick was an unassuming, humble, selfless, man who lovingly guided and inspired his children by example. He lived with conviction, treated others with great kindness, and left a lasting impression with his warm smile and quick wit. His cheery optimism will be remembered by all. He whistled through life with his eyes on the Lord, a spring in his step, and a deep devotion to family. It was a beautiful life lived well. How we miss him already. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 25th, in Trinity Evangelical Free Church, Miami Road, with Rev. Craig Clapper officiating. Private family interment services will follow in Southlawn Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 until 6 today, January 24th in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for Pancreatic Cancer Research to Johns Hopkins University and sent to Ralph H. Hruban, MD, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 401 N. Broadway, Weinberg 2242, Baltimore, MD 21231-2410. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.