ELKHART — Richard A. "Rich" Acksel, 81, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday, July 22, in his residence.

Rich was born on March 28, 1933, in St. Louis to the late Arthur and Rose (Bassler) Acksel.


Acksel (Photo Supplied)
In addition to his parents, a sister, Marcella Becker, preceded him in death.

He married Carol L. Westhoff on Aug. 24, 1957, in St. Louis.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Carol; three sons, Thomas R. (Susan) Acksel of Elkhart, Douglas J. Acksel of Floyd, Va., and James B. Acksel of Evansville; and two granddaughters, Cara Acksel of Athens, Ohio, and Krista Acksel of Elkhart.

Richard retired in 1995 as a mechanical engineer for Miles Laboratories (Bayer) in Elkhart. He was a graduate of the University of Missouri/Rolla School of Mines and Metallurgy.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He served for many years with Lutheran Braille Workers. He was also a member of the Elkhart Conservation Club.

Rich enjoyed ballroom dancing with his wife, Carol, with the Guys and Dolls Dance Club, and playing the accordion at many area nursing homes for the benefit of the residents. Rich liked fishing, gardening and woodworking. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Friends may visit with the family beginning one hour prior to the 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, memorial service honoring Richard's life at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. The Rev. Christopher Davis of Trinity Lutheran Church will officiate. Military honors by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard and DAV Chapter 19 will follow the service. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be given to the church or the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana, 911 E. 86th. St., Ste. 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240. To send a condolence to the family, please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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