Richard Nels Wales

Richard Nels Wales, 73, of St. Joseph, Michigan passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at his home in St. Joseph. Richard was born December 23, 1946 in Stambaugh, MI to Ernest and Gladys (Shoquist) Wales. “Dickie” graduated from Iron River High School in 1965, and attended Andrews University. He met and married Sherry Zummach in 1968 and they enjoyed 52 happy years together. Richard was a proud veteran, who served with the United States Army from 1970-1972. Richard was the owner of Dick Wales Construction Company for many years. For the past decade, he was the Director of Construction for The Villas at the River until his retirement in 2016. In his free time, Richard enjoyed the outdoors especially the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; hunting and fishing and watching the waves on Lake Michigan. He was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packers fan, however his greatest joy was his family; more than anything, his grandchildren. Richard will be deeply missed by his wife, Sherry Wales; his children, Shawn Wales, and Tina (Charley) Shasky; his grandchildren, Lillian and C.J. Shasky; and his brother, Robert (Janine) Wales; his sister-in-law, Janet Wales; many nieces and nephews; and his many friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Richard Wales, Jr., his brother, Dennis Wales; and his parents, Ernest and Gladys Wales. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Caring Circle Hospice.