Richard Gustav Abend

APACHE JUNCTION - Richard Gustav Abend, age 90, of Apache Junction, and formerly of Parma, Ohio, passed away April 2, 2012, in Mesa. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dec. 4, 1921. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosella; and a daughter, Terri Lynn. Dick devoted his life to providing for his family. After working for Producer's Milk Co., he retired from The Prudential Insurance Co. in 1984. He was active in the Masonic Lodge, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts, and was an avid fisherman and golfer. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Philippines. In 1985, he and his wife moved to Arizona where he enjoyed playing the many golf courses in the area. He is survived by a son and three daughters, Rick Abend and Hazel of Greenville, S.C., Janet Ailor and Ernie of Apache Junction, Barbara Hilow and Bill of Parma, Ohio, and Sandie Kecskes of Colorado Springs, Colo.; seven grandchildren, Dan Abend, and Sandi of Greenville, Chad Abend and Michelle of Zanesville, Ohio, Aaron Croyle of Middleburg Heights, Ohio, Brian Croyle of Parma, Ohio, and Kristopher, Trevor, and Phylicia Kecskes of Colorado Springs; five great-grandchildren, Grayson and Lauren Abend of Plain City, Ohio, and Katie, Emily, and Alex Abend of Greenville, S.C. Funeral service at the funeral home was Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors followed at Brooklyn Heights Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio. The family received friends at the Busch Funeral Home, 7501 Ridge Rd., Parma, Ohio from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 12 and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 13. Masonic services were held at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.