Richard Allen Visser

Richard “Dick” A. Visser, 77, of Sylvania, OH passed away at St. Anne Hospital on Saturday, February 16, 2019.  He was born on March 26, 1941 to Richard G. and Lucille (Koester) in Chicago, IL.  Luck was on his side in September 1966, when he was encouraged to meet a young lady named Bonnie Hubert for a blind date. It was love at first site, and after two months of dating, he asked her to marry him. They celebrated 51 years of marriage in August 2018.

Richard loved cars. As a young adult, he was a member of the Ramblers Road Club in Miami, Florida. He learned how to build and maintain hot rods, and later raced them. In the 1960’s he was a driver for a top fuel drag race team, reaching speeds of 200 mph on the quarter mile. He and his dragster were featured in a Pepsi commercial. His extensive knowledge of cars served him well in his later career as an auto mechanic. In retirement, he enjoyed showing his vintage Morris Minor or Ford hot rod at local car shows and was a member of the Old Strokers hot rod club.

He was also involved in model railroading clubs in Detroit and Toledo and built extensive layouts, meticulously constructing and painting every detail. In recent years, he and his wife spent winters in Leesburg, Florida where he continued his hobbies of cars, trains and golfing.

Richard was a proud father to his children, Suzanne and Steve, participating in YMCA Indian Guides, coaching baseball, building science projects, and attending high school band performances. He shared his love of travel and adventure with his family by planning vacations throughout the United States.

Richard is survived by his wife Bonnie; daughter, Suzanne (Ken) Saggese; son, Steve (Alyssa) Visser; grandchildren, Helen, Jack, Jacob and Jada; brother, Paul Mattson; and sister, Carol Denton. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Ricky.

Visitation will be on Friday, Friday, February 22, 2019 from 5pm until 8pm at the Reeb Funeral Home where the service will be held Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 12 noon.  Interment will be private. Family suggest donations in Richard’s memory be made to St. Jude Medical Center.

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