Richard W. Prill

Richard Walter Prill was born on November 13, 1934, in Dearborn, Mich. He was one of six children born from the union of Walter and Gladys Elizabeth (Rogers) Prill. He attended the Getty Country One-Room Schoolhouse before going to Britton School.

Dick, as he became affectionately known, proudly served our great nation in the United States Army where he served as a mechanic in Germany.

He met the love of his life, the former Barbara Mae Seidel, and they were married on September 22, 1956. The happy couple was blessed with the birth of two children. To provide for his family, he was gainfully employed for 42 years at Ford Motor Company as a machine setup operator.

Dick had a passion for farming, which led him to initially renting ground and farm, later transitioning to assisting local farmers. His connection to the land was strong, as he enjoyed spending time chopping trees and using the wood for firewood to heat his barn.

Throughout his life, Dick’s love for cars was evident, from his days as a young car racer to his enjoyment of repairing and enhancing them. This passion intertwined with his love for antique tractors, where he found joy in their maintenance and operation. He was particularly proud of owning both Ford and John Deere tractors for many years.

Beyond his professional and mechanical pursuits, Dick’s greatest joys in life came from spending time with his family. Whether it was with his children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, he cherished every moment with them. Together they created many fond memories of shared experiences and laughter.

Faith played a significant role in Dick’s life, as he held strong beliefs in Christ. As a cornerstone of his life, his faith was an anchor providing him with strength and guidance throughout his journey. His unwavering belief was evident in the way he lived and approached life.

Richard Walter Prill, age 89, of Tecumseh passed away peacefully at the home he had lived in for the past 65 years, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, at 3:05 p.m. His passing was preceded by his parents; two brothers, Russell as a baby and David; sister, Mildred Vershum; and a granddaughter, Sarah Michelle Mashburn.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara Mae Prill; two children, Brenda Sue Prill of Jackson, Mich. and Richard “Todd” (Julie) Prill of Monroe, Mich.; sister, Margaret (Tom) Lord of Ariz.; brother, Kenneth Prill; three grandchildren, Crystal Stevens, Jared (Erin) Sanders, and Spencer (Adena) Prill; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

No public services are currently planned, and a private burial of his cremated remains will be scheduled in the spring. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Mich. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Mich., 48131. (734) 529-3156.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Franklin Graham’s Samaritans Purse. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting merklefs.com.