Rik Kobernik

Richard Lloyd Kobernik "Rik Kobernik", 72, of Old Mission Peninsula, died suddenly on Aug. 15, 2016. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 51 years, Judith (nee Teal) and his daughters Kathleen Jean and Janus Marie. Loving grandfather to Jackson Sherwood and Grey Richard. Born in Detroit July 23, 1944 to Caroline J. and Bruno E. Kobernik. He was predeceased by his parents, and brother Gerald (Margaret). He leaves behind siblings Larry (Pat) Kobernik and Karen (Phil) Gibson along with nieces and nephews.

Rik and Judith wed in Omaha, NE in 1965 after a chance meeting at Otto's, a local drive-in diner and short engagement. He was serving at Offutt Air Force base as a lifeguard and strategic position cartographer for the USAF.

Rik was a draftsman and worked at Craftline, Brasscraft and other small job shops before working in and retiring from the Engine Design team at Ford.

Diagnosed with Type 1 (juvenille) diabetes in 1967, Rik stared death directly in the face and won, time after time throughout the years, thanks in large measure to Judith's loving attention and sheer tenacity. He never complained and ailments never stopped him from living his life to its fullest measure. He enjoyed many great adventures with his family, built a beautiful retirement home in northern Michigan, and travelled to Central America, Europe and various Carribean Islands.

Anyone who knew him, recognized his own brand of humor, while those who didn't sometimes walked away scratching their heads. He was a kind, hardworking, and all-around upstanding guy, earning him the household nickname, "Whataman." He gladly shared his time, home and love with nearly 100 foster babies.

He made life a whole lot of fun for everyone around him, and those he has left behind will miss him intensely.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rik's honor to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund at www.jdrf.org .

A visitation will be held for family and friends on Saturday, August 20, 2016 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a remembrance service held at 3 p.m.at the funeral home.