Richard "Duke" J. Platz

Richard J. Platz, age 72, died peacefully on Tuesday, 3 May 2016 at his home on Danbury, Canton, Michigan surrounded by his family. Dick [who was fondly called Duke by his family and friends] is survived by Jani his spouse of 31 years, and two sons: Joseph [Sara] and Steve [Jennifer] and a daughter Emily Dickey [Scott] and six grandchildren: Jacob Platz, Cass Dickey, Natalie Platz [who predeceased Dick], Henry Platz, Jani Dickey, Benjamin Platz, Bella Platz. And two brothers: William [Nicole] and David [Sherry].

Dick was born at Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit on June 2, 1943 to Edward and Cecelia [Boucard] Platz. When he was five years old the family moved to Cheboygan Michigan where his father opened a Sawmill. In January 1952 the family moved back to Detroit where the boys attended St Scholastica Grade School and later Benedictine High School where Dick graduated in 1961. He worked for a while in the Graphics Arts field and in January 1966 he joined the Ford Motor Company as Draftsman – eventually rising to a Designer and also a Group Leader. Dick retired from Ford in 1997 after 31 years, After which he worked for ten years for Johnson Controls, an Automotive Contractor specializing in the modification of Ford trucks for various purposes and other vehicle related equipment, retiring from there permanently in 2007.

While in Grade School and High School Dick [like his brothers and three cousins] worked after school and Saturdays in the Spring at their Grandfather’s Greenhouse. Dick was a hard worker from a very young age and remained so all his life. But by the same token he had more sense then many and realized early on that All work and no Play ..... . He had a tremendously outgoing personality and his main attribute was KINDNESS to everyone. He loved people and people loved him. He was never too busy to lend a hand to help those in need. He was generous to a fault. No one liked a good time more than he [except maybe his mother] but he had a very profound and serious side that thought through issues and difficulties clearly, logically, and dispassionately.

Dick was a very loving father and no sacrifice was too great for his children or grandchildren whom loved him dearly.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His absence will leave a void in the many lives which he touched with his kindness, humor, and unstinting willingness to help everyone.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday May 4th from 3 PM to 9 PM and Thursday May 5th from 2 PM to 9 PM at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home – 34567 Michigan Ave., Wayne, Michigan 48184. A Rosary will be said at 7:30 PM on Thursday May 5 at the Funeral Home.

A Traditional Requiem Mass will be offered on Friday, May 6th at 9:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 3521 Fourth Street, in Wayne.

In lieu of flowers donations to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church would be appreciated.