Dick Gleesing volunteers at Homme Home in Wittenberg.
Gleesing was born in Milwaukee and then moved with his family to Comstock, Michigan. After graduating from Comstock High School, he began a 45-year career as a truck driver, going to 48 states and southern Canada. “You name it, I’ve been there,” he said.
He served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1952.
Homme executive director Stephen Seybold said, “Dick’s one who will come no matter the weather. He doesn’t realize how important he is. They know he’s going to be here.”
Homme administrator Justin Cieslewicz said, “I don’t think he realizes all that he gives back to the residents. When he’s here, he sits down with the guys and he’s able to have that social connection with them.”
Gleesing and his wife, Edna, were married 38 years before her death in 2012. Between them, they have 13 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He lives on 5½ acres in the town of Grant.
Q What do you do at Homme Home?
A “I mainly come in around 3 p.m. and set up the dining room. I put clothing protectors by the tables. I wheel residents down to their table and give them coffee or hot chocolate and then take them back after they eat. Sometimes I take them through the courtyard or ‘around the block’ inside. I also run errands and go to the store if they ask me. I sit and talk to the residents. I get to know them and joke with them. We talk about where they’re from and what they did in their lives. Whatever they want to talk about. I‘ll try to keep up with them.”
Q How often do you volunteer?
A “Two and a half to three hours four times a week, Monday through Thursday. I love i,t and if my knee was better, I’d be doing it more.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “My wife was in here for a year and a half. She passed away three years ago in November. I was sitting around the house and going crazy. That was two years ago. I get satisfaction. It makes me feel like I’m doing something to help somebody and it helps me, too. I get a good feeling, more than I expected. If people volunteer, they will get self-satisfaction.”
