TRAVERSE CITY — Richard Emil "Dick" Asiala, 76, beloved husband, brother, father and friend, lost his battle with gastric cancer and passed away Tuesday morning, Oct. 12, 2010, at his home. Born Feb. 3, 1934, in Manistee, he was the son of the late Emil Arvid and Selma (Kangas) Asiala, and grew up in the Finnish community of Kaleva. An honorably discharged veteran, Dick proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Central Michigan University and completed advanced studies at Michigan State University. He began his 37-year career as a speech therapist and retired as the superintendent of the Intermediate School District in Traverse City in 1993. Dick took great pride in his extended family, in his Finnish heritage and in his hometown of Kaleva. His passing is a great loss for his family and their friends. Dick is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lorraine Kay Asiala, of Traverse City; children Michael (fiancée Jessica Booth) Asiala, of Bay City, David (Lisa) Asiala, of Midland, Kristen Asiala, of Grand Blanc, and Jonathan (Heather) Asiala, of Traverse City; 12 grandchildren, Celia, Matthew, Olivia, Lillian, Mary Kay, Gillian, Caroline, Bart, Gabrielle, Hanna, Siiri and Niilo; three brothers, Phillip (Judith) Asiala, Charles (Erva) Asiala and Dennis (Cynthia) Asiala; a sister-in-law, Sandra Asiala; and their families. In addition to his parents, Dick was also preceded in death by a brother, John T. Asiala. The family will receive friends at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17.Memorial services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Dan Deutsch and Rev. Diane Greble will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church in Kaleva, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Kaleva Historical Society or to the American Cancer Society.Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Traverse City. Please visit the online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .