George Rich

George E. Rich, Jr., 102, passed away on March 5, 2025. He was born in Los Angeles, California on June 14, 1922 to George E. and Martha (Gauss) Rich. George spent his early childhood in Pasadena, CA and later moved to Battle Creek. He was a proud 1941 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He was on the BCCHS state championship swim team and was named an All-American swimmer. He also earned a state championship in the high jump. George went on to Purdue University to study mechanical engineering where he became a lifetime member of Sigma Chi fraternity. His studies were interrupted after two years by World War II. He enlisted in the Army and assigned to the 12th Armored Division. In January 1945, he was taken prisoner of war in France and was liberated in Germany just prior to the end of the war. For many years until recently, George attended annual reunions of the 12th Armored Division. After six months of recuperation, he returned to Purdue where he met the love of his life, Mary Fran Dittrich. They were united in marriage on April 29, 1950 in Indianapolis and made their home in Battle Creek. They built their home on Christy Road, where George resided until last year. George fulfilled a dream to design, draft and build the beautiful “Rich Retreat” on Harper Lake in Irons, Michigan, a place they loved and has been enjoyed by their family. George and Mary Fran’s greatest legacy is their family. They were warm and supportive parents (and grandparents), always encouraging and attending their sons’ activities. George will be forever missed by his family. George worked for his family’s business, Rich Manufacturing, later retiring from Clark Equipment Handling Systems. Golf was a lifelong passion, enjoying many years as a 2handicap golfer. George was a longtime member and 1956 club champion of the Battle Creek Country Club. For many years, he played weekly with a group of friends. Even after most could no longer play, their friendship drew them to meet for lunch year-round. He reluctantly put his clubs away when he was 100! George was preceded in death by his wife Mary Fran in 2004, by his parents, his sisters, Emily (Fred) Raymond and Gloria Rich. He is survived by his two sons, George G. Rich of Stratham, NH and James C. (Karen) Rich of Battle Creek, five grandchildren: Heather (Tom) Stein, Christopher (Jessica) Rich, Emily (Joe) LaBelle, Katherine (Eric) Closson, Jonathan (Lisa) Rich, and eleven great grandchildren. We thank the staff of Lakeview Assisted Living for their extraordinary, loving care of George. You made his last year the best it could be. Memorial contributions may be made to the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum, 1289 N. 2nd Street, Abilene, TX 79601. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. www.henryfuneralhome.org