March 21, 1930 — Sept. 29, 2014

Richard VanTuyl, 84, of Dowagiac, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2014 at home surrounded by his family.

Richard was born March 21, 1930 in Niles, to Richard L. and Emma M. (Bright) VanTuyl.

Richard graduated from Niles High School in 1949. After graduation he joined the United States Army and served in the Korean War.

On Jan. 13, 1956, he married Ann Kaniuga in Dowagiac. He was manager of the Montgomery Wards in Dowagiac early on and later became plant manager at James Heddon & Sons Co., then later was employed at Jessco. He purchased a line of business from Jessco and began operating as Insulation Enterprises in Niles, Michigan. After retirement he began enjoying winters in Florida.

Richard went beyond the call of duty as a parent, spoiling his children and grandchildren with many treasures. When he wasn’t at a sporting event or activity that his grandchildren where involved in, he could be found watching a good western. Among his favorites were John Wayne, Gunsmoke and anything with “Miss Kitty” in it. He loved playing cards and visiting a casino or two as well as fishing, golfing and small game hunting. He could be found on his tractor mowing his yard and teaching his grandchildren about tractors. Richard was a past member of the Dowagiac Elks lodge No. 889 and Moose lodge No. 933.

Richard is survived by his sons; Richard (Laura Noe) of Riverview, MI and Thomas (Jennifer Szucs) of Niles. a daughter; Debra A. (Mike Ryder)Walker of Niles, grandchildren; Stephanie (Chris), Michelle, Ryan (Alicia), Brent (Kim), Bradley (Erica), Taylor, Destiny Szucs, Scott (Jill) Walker, Casey, Tad, and Patrick Ryder, Ryan Olinghouse and Stacy (David) Frick and one great grandchild on the way. He also leaves behind a very special friend, Harriet Peterson of Dowagiac. Richard’s family would like to offer a special thank you to the caregivers who made it possible for him to remain in his home during this last year.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ann and a daughter, Robin Olinghouse.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday October 3rd, 2014 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Clark Chapel in Dowagiac with a Celebration of Life Service at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Clark Chapel, Pastor David Price of the 1st United Methodist Church of Dowagiac officiating. Burial will follow at Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles. Memorials in Richard’s name may be made to Grace Hospice, 2725 Airview Blvd, Suite 101, Portage, MI. 49002. Those wishing to leave a condolence or share a memory of Richard may do so at www.clarkch.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark Chapel & Cremation Services of Dowagiac.