VANDALIA – Richard A. Patzer, 72, of 59921 White Temple Road, Vandalia, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, in his home after an illness.

He was born Aug. 15, 1937, in Hamilton Township, Van Buren County, to the late Richard and Elsie (Ziesmann) Patzer.

Richard married Mary E. Hunsberger on Sept. 4, 1970, in Dowagiac.

His wife survives, along with: a son, Aaron Patzer Ketzensteine of Cadillac; four step-children, LouAnn (Terry) Parker of Dowagiac, Linda Solloway of Dowagiac, Sharon (Merle) Haines of Vandalia and Mark Perrin of Vandalia; seven grandchildren, Travis Shell, Kellen Shell, Clinton Perrin, Jay Solloway, Autumn Perrin, David Parker and Matthew Parker; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Barbara Kammeroad of Florida.

He was preceded in death by: a son, Alan Patzer Ketzensteine; three grandchildren, Deserae Perrin, John Smith and Stacie Solloway; and a sister, Barbara Haun.

Richard was self-employed as a plumber and refrigeration repairman.

He belonged to Dowagiac Moose Lodge 933 and was a member of the National RIfle Association.

A funeral service will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Connelly Funeral Home, Cassopolis.

Officiating will be Pastor Lloyd George of Galien Missionary Church, Galien.
Interment will be in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Sumnerville.

His family will receive friends on Friday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Connelly Funeral Home, Cassopolis.

Memorials may be made to Cass County Hospice.

Online condolences can be left at www.connellyfuneralhome@verizon.net.