Richard Allen Steitz

Richard Allan Steitz was born July 7, 1943 in Fresno, CA to Alfred and Jean Steitz. Dad/Gramps went to see his Lord and Savior on May 15, 2024. He attended schools in Fresno, graduating from Bullard High, Fresno City College, and Fresno State University. After college he enlisted in the Navy Reserve and served in the Navy as part of the Security Group in Kamiseya, Japan handling highly classified material. After his discharge from the Navy he renewed his relationship with Jeanette Blakeley (also a Bullard graduate). They were married in 1969. It was during that time he went to work at the Fresno Bee in advertising. However, he opted to pursue other interests and went to work in the corrugated box industry with Container Corp. of America. He never realized at the time that this would lead to a career lasting for 36 years. During his career he "climbed the corporate ladder" ascending to being General Manager of some large and diverse operations. Richard and Jeanette joined Evangelical Free Church in 1974 where he was active in the church choir. He was the narrator in numerous musicals that the church presented to the community. When he and Jeanette decided to retire, they chose to relocate to Michigan to be closer to their youngest grandchildren. He enjoyed many years being a "taxi driver" taking the younger ones to their various sporting events. He was also active in Bible Study Fellowship for several years as a Group Leader. Richard is survived by his wife Jeanette Steitz; son, Jason Schweitzer (Teresa) of Powell Butte, OR; son, Clint Schweitzer of Roseburg, OR; Son, Keith Allington (Karen) of Clovis, CA; son, Brad Allington (Cindy) of Fresno, CA; son, Steve Steitz (Renee) of Grand Ledge, MI; 20 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. The family requests that any "in memoriam" donations be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 733 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017 (https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/Donation2?df_id=55995&55995.donation=form1). Although undiagnosed for over 40 years, Richard lived an active life and it was only in his later years that MS hindered his movement and travel plans. May God richly bless his family and friends. Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com

Richard Allen Steitz

July 7, 1943 - May 15, 2024