EUGENE J. RISCH
Eugene Jacob Risch, 91, of Connersville, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021, at Heritage House, where he had been a patient for one week.
One of 10 children of Veronica Weiler Risch and Jacob A. Risch, Gene was born in Connersville on December 26, 1929. He attended St. Gabriel School and graduated from Harrisburg High School, where he was a member of the Harrisburg Hornets basketball team for four years. He was employed at Dresser Industries and in 1952, joined the U.S. Navy. He served during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Connersville to continue at Dresser, where he became Supervisor of Production Control.
Gene married Shirley Cates on November 26, 1960, and they had one daughter, Susan Kiefer, on January 22, 1964. Mrs. Risch passed away on March 31, 2021.
Gene had attended University of Cincinnati management night classes for two years. In 1991, he retired from Roots Connersville Blower (Dresser) after 41 years of service.
He was an outstanding slow pitch and fast pitch ball player. An accomplished golfer who had won many tournaments, he enjoyed many years of golfing with his buddies at the Liberty Country Club. He also enjoyed bowling in the Tavern League and the Knights of Columbus League. Years ago, he donated a box of trophies to the Sportsman Store to be repurposed and donated to schools so younger kids could receive them. He was an active member of St. Gabriel Church, the Knights of Columbus, Elks, American Legion, and the AMVETS. He always enjoyed delivering Thanksgiving dinners annually that are provided by the K of C.
He and his wife enjoyed going to Myrtle Beach with their friends for many years, and they were avid card players.
In more recent years, he enjoyed time spent with their daughter Susan and husband, Steve Kiefer; grandchildren, Ryan Goldey and Derek (Shelby) Goldey; and great grandchildren, Cole and Margo. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Ann (Chuck) Snyder.
Besides his wife of 60 years, Shirley, Gene was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Rita Wiley, Henrietta Bricker, and Alfreda Cappel; five brothers: Orience, Rufus, Bert, Leo, and Larry Risch; and four sisters-in-law, Rita, Janice, Catherine, and Jeanie Risch.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Dustin Boehm at 11:30 a.m. Friday, September 10, 2021, at St. Gabriel Church. Burial will be in Dale Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home, where the rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Beacon of Hope Capital Campaign at St. Gabriel Church. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.