Richard (Rick) Guisinger

Richard P. Guisinger, age 61, of Holland, died Sunday, November 4, 2018 at his home.

Rick was born on November 4, 1957 in Dearborn, MI and grew up in Inkster and Waterford, MI. He attended Cherry Hill High School in Inkster and graduated from Our Lady of the Lakes in Waterford. In 1980, Rick received his BS degree in Economics at Oakland University.

Rick had a lifelong love of food and was an accomplished chef and baker. He was largely self-taught (with help, of course, from his late mother, Mildred Guisinger, and Julia Child), but also took courses at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He cooked professionally at the Deer Lake Athletic Club for much of the 1980s and later sold food in the Cleveland metro area as a sales representative for Northern Haserot.

Rick was happiest while cooking for family and friends; his generosity and selflessness, which defined all of his relationships, shone through in the kitchen.

Beyond his cooking, many will remember Rick for his playful, sharp sense of humor; his intellect; and his love of conversation.

He lived in Cleveland, OH and Alpena, MI before moving to Holland.

In Holland, Rick was an active stay-at-home dad for his three boys, through their high school years. This was unquestionably his favorite role, one he cherished and which brought him incredible happiness. He was very proud to see all three boys attend the University of Michigan. Rick was very active in their education. He never missed a parent teacher conference and was often found in the front row of the Holland Theatre and Holland Band performances. Rick often marched the entire Tulip Time parade route to watch his sons perform and in support of the marching band.

Music and theater brought Rick great joy throughout his life. He was an active and proud supporter of the Performing Arts Program at Holland High School, while his children were students and beyond. Rick shared his love of cooking and baking with the students and staff.

Rick worked for Baker Furniture for several years and most recently worked for Menards. He was a skilled carpenter and restored several homes.

He is survived by his children; Michael, Patrick, and Nicholas; brothers, William (Mary Lou) and James and sister, Mary Stovel; many nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be 11 am, Saturday (December 1), at St. Francis de Sales Catholic, 195 West 13th Street.

Visitation will be 5-7 pm, (November 30), at the Dykstra Funeral Home-downtown Chapel, 29 East 9th Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to OAR (Chester A. Ray). For an online registry, visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.