Rick Allen Reisig, who spent decades helping grow his company while contributing to the motorcoach industry across Michigan and the Midwest, is being remembered for his entrepreneurial drive and hands-on leadership style.
The co-founder of Michigan-based charter company Great Lakes Motorcoach, a longtime figure in the bus and motorcoach industry, died Thursday, May 7, in Rockford, Michigan. He was 72.
Reisig helped build Great Lakes Motorcoach into one of the region’s most recognized family-owned transportation companies after co-founding the business in 1984 with his wife, Julie.
He was born April 26, 1954, in Saginaw, Michigan, and married Julie Cupp on Aug. 19, 1983, in Saginaw. Together they built both a family and a business that became a lasting part of the Michigan motorcoach community.
Reisig developed a reputation as a determined businessman who embraced innovation and hard work. Friends and colleagues remembered him as energetic, outspoken and deeply committed to both his employees and customers.
Beyond the transportation business, Reisig pursued a wide range of interests that reflected his adventurous personality. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, scuba diving, flying airplanes and stock car racing. He also developed Windcliff Estates in Rockford and enjoyed spending summers at Higgins Lake, Michigan, and winters in Englewood, Florida.
Family remained central to his life. He frequently took his grandchildren on trips and outings, including visits to the Oshkosh Air Show, the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, Rockford car shows, and horseback-riding adventures.
He is survived by his wife, Julie Reisig; daughters Melissa (Brian) Aho and Sabrina (Tim) Peckham; and four grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 12, from noon to 1 p.m. at Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford, followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Women At Risk International or a charity of the donor’s choice.
