Richard King

With a life that spanned times of great change around him, Richard King created a priceless collection of memories shared with the ones he loved. He generously gave of his time and resources in ways both great and small. Blessed to spend more than 50 years with the love of his life, Richard was an excellent role model for his children and grandchildren as well as his great-grandchildren later in life. Never one to worry about building wealth, his focus was on carrying himself with honor, integrity, and compassion towards all who were within his reach. Guided by an unwavering faith, Richard was an inspiration to everyone he knew. Dearly loved, he will never be forgotten.

The decade that we recall as the Roaring Twenties was a vibrant time in America filled with countless changes that great affected our lives. Refrigerators and washing machines became part of our homes while radios brought the world around us within our reach. Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb drew crowds to fields across the nation in record numbers, and Broadway was at an all time peak. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1925 that was a time of great celebration for a young family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy on March 2nd. Richard was the second of five children born to his parents, Jacob and Anna (Kramer) King, and he was raised on a farm in Caledonia alongside his older brother Maynard and his younger sisters Carol, Elaine and Marcia during the majority of his formative years.

In many ways Richard’s upbringing was a reflection of his generation. He learned to work the farm, instilling within him a strong work ethic, and he also attended local schools. Richard additionally worked part-time at a golf course and played both football and chess. He was always a more private person, and he spent much of his free time reading. Richard’s high school years found him at Caledonia High School.

Following his brother, Richard enlisted in the Army Air Corps during the days of WWII as a young man of just 17. He spent much of his time in the military serving aboard a B-17 bomber. Rich's brother, Maynard, and cousin Harold Tiddens were killed during the war and Rich would say "There's nothing worth dying for in France."

With his military duties fulfilled, Richard returned home and attended classes at Calvin College for a time. He became an electrical engineer and experienced a rewarding career. Richard worked for several companies through the years including Kirkoff Electric as well as Daverman and Cloverman Electric before finishing his career at General Motors where he worked for the ten years prior to retirement. Rich always found his work to be fulfilling no matter what he was doing, and he continually learned new things and gained new skills. Much of his time was spent designing control panels used near power stations.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Richard’s introduction to the young woman with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Dorothy "Mitzi" Martin, and they were introduced by Richard’s mother who was her coworker at Wurzburg's Department Store. Sparks flew, and they began dating. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Richard and Mitzi were married on December 20, 1952, at St. James Lutheran Church.

The newlyweds initially lived in Comstock Park, but after a few years they settled into a house on Hoover Street, NE, which would be the place where they raised their five children including Rick, Mike, Julie, Karen, and Holly. As a father Rich was firm when it came to discipline, but he wanted to train his children to become people of great character. There was plenty of time for fun, too, and summer vacations were among their favorites as a family. The Kings often went camping in the Upper Peninsula or to Camp Concordia, piling the kids into the station wagon while pulling their 22-foot trailer. Adventures looking for specific rocks were also something they loved. One rock hunting trip included drinking from a natural spring from a coffee can and having a hillside dynamited to uncover his wife's birthstone, amethyst. This camping trip included circumventing Lake Superior. Although Mitzi did most of the cooking throughout the week, Richard prepared the Sunday meal and was also also was known for his potato salad, milkshakes, and bread pudding.

Rich’s focus was on providing for the family he loved, but he also had a few other interests. One of his greatest passions was being a scoutmaster for Troop 304 as he had a calling for helping others and wanted to instill values in the lives of young men within the community. This troop started at St. James Church. He led the group for many years, eventually earning the Silver Beaver Award - the highest honor a local council can present to a Scout leader. It is made for noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth in the local council. Rich also encouraged a few young men to become Eagle Scouts. He faithfully attended St. James Lutheran Church where he and Mitzi established several great friendships. For a time he also tried his hand at golf and bowling.

Later in life Rich continued to be completely devoted to his family. He was thrilled to become a grandfather, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Some of Rich’s favorite things to do with them was to take them to McDonald’s for chicken nuggets and orange drink. Rich also loved getting out the slide projector to relive family memories. Around the home, he enjoyed working on his collections including stamps, coins, and rocks. Rich’s most recent coin collection was quarters for all the 50 states. He helped care for Mitzi at home for quite some time, tenderly caring for her as her memory clouded with Alzheimer’s disease. Richard was deeply saddened with her death 2007, and a few months later he moved to Vista Springs Assisted Living where he progressively slowed down as he aged.

A kindhearted, generous, and loving man, Richard King was a blessing in the lives of those around him. Always willing to help, he would do whatever he could for others whether his family, the young men in his community, or a families in need. Rich took his role as provider for his family to heart, and his devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was unmatched. He will be deeply missed.

Richard King, age 89 of Grand Rapids, passed away December 20, 2014. Rich was a Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for many years was a dedicated Scout Master for Boy Scouts of American Troop 304. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy "Mitzi" King in 2007; and by his brother, Maynard. Richard is survived by his children: Rick and Nancy King, Mike King, Julie VanBelkum and fiance James Dahlke, Karen Stephens, Holly and Joe Combs; grandchildren Adam King, April King, Charles and Chad VanBelkum, Kailee and Kelsie Stephens and fiance David DeBoer, Kristi (Todd) Roberts, Britney, Joey and Brooke Combs, Stephanie and Carla Turner; great grandchildren Aiden King, Caleb and Cady Roberts; sisters Carol Pleger, Elaine Jager, Marcia (Bob) Boomstra and several nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Rich's life will be held on Friday, December 26 at 12 Noon at Rockford Springs Community Church, 5815 14 Mile Road NE in Rockford. Friends are invited to visit with his family at the church from 10 AM until the time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Boy Scouts of America are appreciated. You may read more about Rich's life, share a favorite memory or sign the online register by visiting www.lifestorynet.com