Richard Yingling

Yingling, Richard "Dick" A. Kalamazoo, MI Richard "Dick" Allan Yingling passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021, in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born March 2, 1934, in Kalamazoo, MI a son of Lavern and Florence (Hartley) Yingling and had been a lifelong area resident. Dick graduated from Richland High School. He served aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Philippine Sea during the Korean War as part of the Air Group Commanders Staff. After returning to Kalamazoo, Dick graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in insurance and then did post-graduate work to attain two professional insurance designations. Dick owned and operated Yingling-Mauzy Insurance Agency where he worked alongside his son and daughter. He also served as the President of the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) of Michigan and then of the National Association. Dick served as a Kalamazoo County Commissioner and was a member of the Board of Health. He was a member of Kalamazoo Elks Lodge #50 and served as Exalted Ruler on several occasions. Dick was also a volunteer for the Red Cross and Kids Hope USA. He was an active member of Second Reformed Church where he served as a Deacon and an Elder. When Dick met Ellen, it didn't take long to decide she was the one. They were married within a year when Dick was 21 and Ellen 18. Everyone who knows Dick and Ellen knows how special their love was. There was no Dick without Ellen. One of Dick's proudest accomplishments was being the National President of PIA and traveling throughout the U.S. with Ellen by his side. Dick also loved traveling with his family during trips in the motor home with his children and trips to Washington DC with his granddaughters. Dick cherished his time with family, and was a proud father to his daughter, Lori, and son, Tom. He was also a beloved uncle, cousin, and grandfather. Dick spent as much time as he could on the golf course and loved to play during their annual trips to Maggie Valley, North Carolina with friends. He was also recently honored by joining other combat veterans on the Talons Out trip to Washington DC, enjoying a police-escorted tour of the nation's capital and many of the military monuments in the area. Dick was always the nicest guy in the room and will be remembered for his loving demeanor – one of his nephews said of him, "I don't think I can say this of anyone else I've ever met, but I have no negative memories of Uncle Dick." Dick was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Kenneth Yingling, Albert Yingling, and Audrey Martin. On July 2, 1955, Dick married the former Ellen Nederhoed who survives. Also surviving are his children, Lori Yingling of Kalamazoo, and Thomas B. (Michelle) Yingling of Mattawan; granddaughters, Megan Yingling and Morgan Yingling; sister, Joyce Sleeman; sister-in-law, Nancy Simonds; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, October 14, 2021, from 4-6 pm when a memorial service will begin at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, with Rev. Frederick "Fritz" R. Kruithof, officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Kids Hope USA. To view Richard's personalized web page, please visit https:/www.langelands.com