Richard “Dick” Metzger, 87, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away April 10, 2024, just three days short of his eighty-eighth birthday, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester. The son of Don A. and Sarah Catharine (Beigh) Metzger, Dick was born April 13, 1936, in Kosciusko County. While growing up as a young boy on his parent’s farm he learned the value of hard work, which ultimately helped him throughout his entire life.
After graduating from South Whitley High School in 1954, Dick obtained a degree in elementary education from Manchester College. Later, he earned a master’s degree from Indiana University in 1964. While in college he also proudly served in the Indiana Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves from 1954 until 1960. After completing his own education, Dick taught sixth grade in Hobart, Indiana, for eight years before moving to Fort Wayne, where he taught elementary school for twenty-eight years. He also taught GED classes for adults in the evenings and summers for nearly three decades.
On July 8, 1955, Dick’s life was forever changed when he married the love of his life, Diane Michael, in Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren. Introduced by Diane’s brother while in their early teens, they were wed for nearly sixty-nine years and were blessed with three sons and four grandsons. Dick and Diane were fortunate to travel throughout the United States together. They also worshiped together at First Brethren Church in North Manchester, where they both were members. During his free time, Dick enjoyed playing golf and watching his two favorite sports teams, the Chicago Cubs and Indianapolis Colts.
The loving memory of Richard “Dick” Metzger will be forever cherished by his wife, Diane Metzger, North Manchester; sons, Randy Metzger, Fort Wayne, Jeffrey (Beverly) Metzger, Fort Wayne, and Todd (Terri) Metzger, Noblesville; brothers, Rex L. (Betty) Metzger, North Manchester and Stanley (Kathy) Metzger, Spokane, Washington; and four grandsons. Dick was preceded in death by his parents.
A private graveside will be held at Ulrey Memorial Cemetery, 2507 East State Road 14, Silver Lake, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Richard “Dick” Metzger, memorial contributions may be made to Timbercrest Charitable Assistance Fund, P.O. Box 501, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Richard “Dick” Metzger has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com