Richard Joseph Gildner

Richard Joseph Gildner (91) of Grayling, MI passed away peacefully April 6, 2019. Richard is survived by children, Linda (Don) Kernstock, Betty Warren, Carl Gildner, and Paul (Sherry) Gildner; step-sons, Jody Ball and Dan Ball; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley (Gene) Rauch; brother, Bill (Barb) Gildner; long-time friend and neighbor, Kay Hunter; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Richard in death were his parents; first wife, Doris M. Gildner; second wife Helen "Jo" Gildner; sisters, Lillian Avery and Peggy Schreiber; and brother Robert Gildner. Richard was born July 9, 1927 in Grayling, MI to Joseph and Matilda (Ziebell) Gildner. He married Doris M. Brown on August 7, 1948. He lived in Houghton Lake after marrying Doris from 1948 to 1966 until they moved their family to Grayling. After Doris's passing in 1986, he married Helen "Jo" Ball in 1991. Richard loved talking and telling stories about his Army days in China and Wyoming hunting trips. He enjoyed motorcycling, fishing, snowmobiling, canoeing, going to the casino, and playing cards in his latter years. He was the owner of Richard Gildner Builders and a lifelong resident of Grayling. Visitation is Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 2-7 pm at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. Funeral Service is Thursday, April 11, 2019, 11 am at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home with Pastor Bob Marshall officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at Elmwood Cemetery following the service. A luncheon at the funeral home will take place after the burial. Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Joseph Gildner, please visit our flower store.