Richard Fred Grau

Richard F. Grau, born July 22, 1933, in Akron, Ohio, to Julius and Frieda Grau, passed away on August 20, 2021, at age 88, due to complications following a stroke, and after living with Lewy Body Dementia for several years. He lived in the Akron area his entire life, and was a 1951 graduate of Garfield High School. He retired with almost forty-four years of service from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a machinist and maintenance worker.

In 1953, Richard married Evelyn Irene Hartz, and they raised three children in Bath Township, where they lived for over 63 years. He helped build their house, and always enjoyed working to maintain and care for their home and yard. Richard was blessed with the ability to fix almost anything, and he willingly shared that gift with others, most notably helping out lovingly with his children’s home improvement projects. And, if he did not know how to fix something himself, he most certainly knew someone who could! He was a dedicated member of Mt. Zwingli United Church of Christ, and more recently attended Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls.

Early on, it brought Richard much joy to coach Little League, vacation yearly at Mohican State Park, and partake of his German heritage. He enjoyed hiking in the fall, going to Cleveland Indians games, traveling, and going on cruises with his wife and friends. In more recent years, Richard delighted in attending monthly Goodyear retiree luncheons, vacationing and bike riding on the beach in Hilton Head Island, and serving up his delicious pork and sauerkraut, along with his homemade applesauce, to his family on New Year’s Day. Throughout his lifetime, Richard was a dedicated blood donor, engaged in multiple woodworking and metalworking projects with his vast collection of tools, enjoyed watching sports, loved eating ice cream, and always owned a “backup” of everything.

Richard possessed a caring, helping, and giving heart for all of his family and friends. He never met a stranger, and his extremely strong work ethic was an inspiration, as was his generous and giving spirit.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Catherine Grau, brother Robert Grau, special cousin Ruth Krueger, son-in-law Durk Eckenrode, and many special friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn Grau, of almost 68 years, children Michael Grau, Wendy Eckenrode, and Jennifer (David) Simkanin, grandchildren Kara Blackwell and Kevin Eckenrode, and Kathryn, Elizabeth, and Abigail Simkanin, as well as two great-granddaughters, and many others he held dear to his heart.

He will be deeply missed and remembered by all those who loved him.

Many thanks to Dr. David Dulle for his care of Richard over the years, as well as to Summa Health System’s 3 West, T3 ICU, and Acute Palliative Care units, Bath Manor, and Arden Courts of Bath for their kind and compassionate care during recent weeks.

A private memorial service was held, with burial at Rose Hill Cemetery.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to Haven of Rest, 175 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44308.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.waltersfuneralservice.com for the Grau family.