Richard Kugler

Richard “Dick” Kugler, age 76, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully early Saturday evening, April 26, 2008, in Mercy Medical Center at Canton. Born at Stonecreek February 16, 1932, he was a son of the late Frank Kugler and Clara Fellman Kugler Schumacher. Richard was a 1950 graduate of Stonecreek High School, where he played baseball, basketball, and was, for one season, the only runner on the high school track team. He began a career with Gradall following high school. The Korean War interrupted his work with Gradall â?? and Dick became a tank driver earning a bronze star with his Korean Service Ribbon. While in Korea from 1952 to 1954, he began a pen-pal relationship with the former Doris McWilliams. Upon his return, the couple dated and was married July 31, 1955. Dick would not only go on to celebrate fifty-two anniversaries with his wife, but also to a forty-three year career with Gradall that ended with his retirement in 1994 as project and facilities engineer. Additionally, he was a life member of the Tuscarawas V.F.W. and an associate life member of the New Philadelphia V.F.W. and New Philadelphia Lodge #510 of the B.P.O. Elks. Dick also enjoyed golf and bowling, and serving as coach of his son’s little league teams decades ago. In addition to his wife Doris of New Philadelphia, he is survived by sons Mark (wife Vicky) Kugler and Todd (wife Shelly) Kugler, all of Alliance, and a daughter, Pam (husband Jeff) Shepherd of New Philadelphia. He’ll be sadly missed by his four grandchildren; Krystal (husband Nathan) Powell of Mineral City, Brittany Kugler of Alliance, Amber Shepherd of New Philadelphia, and C.J. Kugler of Dover. Two step-grandsons, James and Tim Spahlinger of Alliance, and one anticipated great-grandchild due in September, complete the family. In addition to his parents, Mr. Kugler is preceded in death by his sister Betty Gibbs, and a brother, William Kugler. Friends are invited to call Tuesday afternoon from 5PM â?? 8PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Elks services will commence at 5PM. The Rev. Hugh Berry will lead Mr. Kugler’s funeral Wednesday morning at 10:30 in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in Stonecreek Cemetery with military honors rendered by VFW Post #1445. A reception for family and friends will follow the committal service in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Fund, in care of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge, 1180 Union Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.Linn-Hert-Geib(330) 343-5506www.geibcares.com