Richard Probst

Richard “Dick” Probst, 69, of Petoskey, Mich. died of natural causes on June 28, 2016. He was born on July 21, 1946 in Cicero, Ill. to Cyril and Shirley Probst and was raised in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Richard earned his BS from Western Michigan University and MBA from Michigan State University. He started his career as a hospital executive in the Detroit area, where he met his future wife Mary Ruckel, who was a nursing supervisor and fellow member of the ski club. They got married on July 2, 1977 and had two children before relocating their family to Mesa, Ariz. in 1983. Richard served as COO for Mesa Lutheran Hospital until 1988, when a business opportunity surfaced to acquire the Tastee Freeze in Petoskey. He was proud to provide locally sourced hamburgers and ice cream cones, as well as employment opportunities for many teenagers who he mentored and built friendships with over the years. Richard operated the business until his wife Mary passed away of cancer in 2000. Our beloved dad, grandpa, brother, cousin, friend and boss is survived by his daughter Laura (Portland, Ore.), son Andrew (Petoskey), granddaughters Olive (Christine Dixon) and Madelynn (Kayla Temple), brother David (Terrie) Probst (Las Vegas, Nev.), sister-in-law Linda and niece Ashley Probst (Englewood, Colo.), many cousins from Chicago to Arizona and his cherished dog Packy. His funny stories, generous spirit and genuine laugh will be greatly missed by all. A celebration of life is planned for noon on Saturday, July 23 at the Bear River Shelter in Petoskey (399 Quaintance Ave.) followed by a potluck in the park.