Richard Amstutz

Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, friend, and school administrator

Richard (Dick) Amstutz of Lakewood, Colorado, formerly of Pontiac, Illinois, died peacefully surrounded by family on June 20, 2025. He was born December 5, 1935, in Hancock County, Ohio, the son of Albert and Rena Amstutz. He married and is survived by his wife of 67 years, Emily (Bertsche) Amstutz, on December 22, 1957.

He is survived by one son, Terry Amstutz (Julie) of Stuttgart, AR, and one daughter, Jana Gravilla (Tom) of Littleton, CO. He was the proud grandfather of five beloved grandchildren: Carly Cole (Robert), Sarah Meldrum (Alma), Joe Amstutz, Katelynn Foster (Brandon), and Samuel Amstutz (Alaina), all of whom he deeply cherished. He also leaves behind four treasured great-grandchildren—Alex, Brooks, Lily, and Kaylee—who brought him immense joy. Dick is alsoremembered with love by a host of nieces and nephews who will continue to cherish his memory.

Dick graduated from Cory Rawson High School in 1953, and years later, he and his senior-year football team were inducted into the Hancock Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of their remarkable season. One of Dick’s favorite claims to fame was that, as quarterback during his senior year, his team went undefeated and unscored upon, and he never let anyone forget it!

Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a communications specialist in Europe from 1954-1956. He completed his BA in Business Administration from Bluffton College in Bluffton, Ohio as well as his master's degree in School Administration from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL. For eight years Dick taught business classes at Chatsworth, IL and Matoon, IL. Dick served the Livingston County School District with unwavering dedication as an administrator for the Livingston County Special Services for 25 years. After a brief retirement, he returned to his calling—positively impacting the lives of children—as Principal of Hinkletown Mennonite School in Pennsylvania. Also, he and Emily enjoyed 18 great winters with their friends at Desert Sun, Apache Junction, AZ.

Dick was a devoted member of the Mennonite faith. He worshiped for many years at Meadows Mennonite Church, and after its closing, he continued his faithful attendance at Prairieview Mennonite Church. He had a passion for golf and football—especially cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes—and never passed up the opportunity for a good game of cards. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert and Dale Amstutz; and five sisters, Dorothy Amstutz, Selma Long, Alberta Welch, Marjorie Miller, and Linda Beach.

At this time, no visitation or memorial service is planned. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, Memphis TN, or Mennonite Disaster Service, Lititz, PA