Richard Gene Alexa

December 10, 1942 - July 26, 2011

Richard Gene Alexa of Tustin died Tuesday morning, July 26, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 68. He was born on December 10, 1942 in Crystal Falls, Michigan. He graduated from the Dexter High School in 1961. He married the former Maxine L. Hudkins on September 21, 1968 in Ann Arbor and she preceded him in death on September 17, 2010. He served in the United States Air Force from 1961 until 1967 then he was employed as a manager for Krogers, was a Patrol officer for the Dexter Police Department, Deputy for the Washtenaw County Sherriff Department. Later he went to work for the University of Michigan as an Accident Investigator and retired as the Manager of Technical Services for the Law Firm of Joscelyn & Treat in Ann Arbor. After he retired Dick was the owner/operator of Alexa\'s Small Engine Repair and moved to the Tustin area in 1999. He enjoyed working in his yard and snowmobiling, grooming trails and was an active member/officer of the Cadillac Winter Warriors and Cadillac Winter Promotions. He took great joy in the time he spent with his only granddaughter, Murphy Reece Alexa and grandsons, Branden and Christopher Holmen and was very dedicated to his family. Survivors include his son, Marc A. Alexa (Cheryl Holmen) of Manton; granddaughter, Murphy Reece Alexa; grandsons: Branden & Christopher Holmen all of Manton; his mother, Leona M. Toon of Dexter; brother, Charles D. Thurston of Dexter; sisters-in-law: Margaret (Duane) McCann of Leslie, Marcia (Robert) Bunney of Manchester, Marlene Lloyd of Saline, Mary Jean Brady of Manchester and Malinda Hudkins of Holt; and 2 nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his brothers: Robert and Henry Thurston. Memorial services will be held at 2:30 PM Saturday, July 30, 2011 at the Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac with Chaplain Pam Wizner officiating. Friends may meet the family from 1:30 PM until time of services Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.