GABE RICHTIG

IRON MOUNTAIN — A new scholarship, the Gabe Richtig Memorial Scholarship has been established at Iron Mountain High School, by the family of the late Gabriel Richtig, a 2022 graduate of IMHS. The scholarship will be available beginning with the graduating Class of 2024.

Gabriel Richtig (Gabe), 20, passed away Oct. 28, 2023. Gabe was a lifelong resident of the Iron Mountain area, the son of Christopher and Bobbi Jean Richtig, the brother of Courtney and Valerie Richtig and the uncle of his little buddy, Salem Counter. 

During high school, Gabe was active in sports including football, basketball and tennis. Football was by far his favorite sport to play. More important than the wins or losses were the friendships and bonds he made with his fellow teammates. Gabe was a true friend to all who knew him.

The summer following graduation, Gabe attended Associated Training Services in Sun Prairie, Wis., where he received certificates in Heavy Equipment 1 & 2, Crane Operation and his commercial driver’s license. In October 2022, he began his career with MJ Drilling (Local 2150) as an operator trainee. He spent several months in Utah on a project for MJ, and traveled to Wisconsin, Minnesota and other parts of Michigan for his job.

If Gabe was not working, you could find him on the water somewhere, day or night. From a young age, fishing was his passion. He spent as much time fishing as he could and taught several of his friends to fish. Gabe’s friend, Jack, used these words to describe him: “There are people that love to fish, people who are good at fishing, and then there are fisherman. On a rare occasion you might find a friend that possesses all three qualities. Gabe was that rare friend and a tackle box full of true grit.”

To be eligible for the Gabe Richtig Memorial Scholarship, applicants must be a graduating senior of Iron Mountain High School or be a graduate of Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Schools, who will be attending a college, university or trade school pursuing a degree/certificate program in their field of choice, with preference given to industrial trade.

If the recipient plans to attend ATS, additional funding from ATS via an endowment in matching funds may be available. Additionally, if the recipient chooses a career as a heavy equipment operator, there is an opportunity for the individual to secure a position with MJ Drilling or MJ Excavating divisions, with an opportunity afforded them to become a member of IBEW 2150 upon completion of necessary curriculum and certification requirements.

These opportunities can be discussed further by contacting the Gabe Richtig Memorial Scholarship board at 906-458-0714. For those wishing to donate to Gabe’s scholarship, a savings account has been set up at First National Bank and Trust of Iron Mountain for the Gabe Richtig Memorial Scholarship. 

“Although Gabe is truly missed and leaves a void in many hearts,” Gabe’s family said. “We are pleased to offer this scholarship in his memory and keep his spirit alive.”