Dick Masse, 80

Richard “Dick” Masse, age 80, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 31, 2023.  Dick was born on December 31, 1942, to Ambrose & Edna Masse. He was born and raised in Elkhart, and is the oldest of two children.

In 1961 he attended a concert at Elkhart High School where he met someone special. While at the concert, he spotted Sara in the audience. Dick slipped a note to Sara’s friend asking, “who is the cute gal in the red chapeau?” The friend responded with Sara’s name and phone number and instructions to call her. She didn’t tell Sara that she had sent the note to him. Dick called Sara and they went on a double date. They were married on June 6, 1964.

Together, they lived in married housing at Ferris State University. After completing pharmacy school, Dick worked at Judd Drugs in Elkhart. Later, they settled in Vicksburg, where Dick owned and operated Hill’s Pharmacy. In 1993, Dick sold the Pharmacy and he and Sara opened Global Travel Agency together in Kalamazoo. After retiring from the travel industry, he was an administrator at Howardsville Christian School in Marcellus.

Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sara; his children: Jeff (Michelle) Masse and Joshua (Christy) Masse; daughter in-law: Melissa Masse; three grandchildren: Jason, Ethan and Kayla. He is also survived by his sister Margaret (Joe) Morgan as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his son, Kevin Masse.

Dick and Sara enjoyed traveling around the United States, Europe and on several cruises. Dick was very involved in his business and the community.  He served on the Vicksburg School Board, was a member of the Rotary Club, and was active in his Church. He also coached little league and loved to volunteer at the Vicksburg car shows. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Following his wishes, cremation has taken place. You are invited to visit with family and friends on Wednesday, April 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at a memorial gathering at the Avink McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Portage Chapel; 5975 Lovers Lane. Questions, call (269) 344-5600.

While visiting Dick’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com, please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family. Contributions in Dick’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter.