10/29/2025
Rev. Richard A. Deisler passed away during the early morning hours on Monday, October 27, 2025. He will be remembered as a strong, kind and compassionate man, forever faithful to the God he served.
Richard was born in Leslie, Michigan, on April 28, 1926, to Adlai and June (Slife) Deisler. He was number seven in a family of twelve children. Richard was raised on a farm near Lansing, Michigan, and grew to love all the aspects of farming - planting, harvesting, milking, butchering and working with the animals. He was in his late teens when he felt God calling him into the ministry but went to work for a local farmer for a few years before enrolling at Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University).
It was at college that he met the love of his life, Mary Dutiel, from Oakfield, Ohio. They were married in August of 1951, just after he received his college degree. Their first pastorate was a little country church near Hastings, Michigan. During the course of their marriage, they pastored at Wesleyan churches in Ottawa Lake, Hudson and Coldwater - all in Michigan. In 1981, they moved to Fairmount, Indiana, to pastor the Wesleyan Church there. He retired in 1991, but continued to do interim pastoral work in several Wesleyan churches in Indiana: Elkhart, Andrews, Brinker Heights and Countryside. Also in his retirement, he worked part-time at Fairmount Hardware, which gave him many opportunities to meet people. One of his favorite tasks at the hardware was fixing things - especially broken screens and windows. During his time in Michigan, he was very active in the maintenance of the Wesleyan Church's district campgrounds in Hastings. It was a job that fit him well, and he loved the work. After moving to Fairmount, he quickly became involved in the care of the grounds at Fairmount Wesleyan Camp, and he served faithfully there until he was no longer able. In all his work, he was blessed to be able to serve with wonderful people who enriched his life in so many ways.
Richard was a gentle man, but strong in his convictions and faith. His children would say that he could fix anything - the washer, the car, the lawnmower, the sewing machine or any other gadget that needed repair. He often worked extra jobs to help support the family, and he put out a garden every year. He was generous to a fault with those who needed help. It was not out of the ordinary to find an extra guest at supper time, someone who needed a hot meal and a place to sleep. He was one who showed up often when someone needed an extra hand, a ride or a visit from a pastor. He was the consummate pastor, one who loved his people deeply and served them whole-heartedly. Anyone who knew him would say that he lived what he preached.
In addition to his wife, Mary, Richard is survived by his four children, Sue (Tony) Melton of Fairmount, Marilyn (Dave) Woolard of Hartford City, Rick (Bonita) Deisler of Ottawa Lake, MI and Mark (Annette) Deisler of Marion; eleven grandchildren, Cassie Melton, Annie (Jerod) Cheek, Zack Melton, Breezey (Erik) Fox, Lesley (Terry) Dieckmann, Alex (Sara) Jamieson, Josh (Brandon) Lowe, Nathan Deisler, Abby (Nick) Bratt, Adlai (Emily) Deisler and Anna (Conner) Cunningham; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Wava Peterson of EauClaire WI, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place at Westview Wesleyan Church, 1300 W Sixth Street, Jonesboro IN, on Monday, November 3, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Interment will be at Park Cemetery in Fairmount IN at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, with a celebration of life service following at 11:30 a.m. at Westview Wesleyan Church
In addition to all the wonderful friends who helped in so many ways during the last year, the family would like to express gratitude to the staff of Heart to Heart Hospice and to our great caregivers - Joni, Kristina, Teri, Sam, Gabby, Ave, Bre and Tiffany.
Memorials can be made to Fairmount Camp, 711 E 900 S, Fairmount IN 46928.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com
