Richard D. Friend, 65, of Barron Lake Road, Niles, died at 1:13 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010 at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, following an extended illness.

He was born Oct. 18, 1945 in South Bend to Donald W. Friend and Marion “June” (Pape) Friend. He graduated from Niles High School in 1963 and was a lifetime resident of the area.

He was a former employee of A.C. Humko in Springfield, Ill. He served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970 and was a member of American Legion Post 26 in Niles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical technology from Western Michigan University. He enjoyed working with computers.

Richard married Judith A. “Judy” Friend on Feb. 14, 1970 in Niles.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; son, Donald A. (Jennifer) Friend of Findlay, Ohio; daughters, Tracey L. (Jeff) Eldridge of Findlay, Ohio and Nichole M. Marin of Findlay, Ohio; grandchildren, Isabelle M. Friend, Emily A. Friend, Jared D. Marin, Ashlee L. Eldridge; mother, Marion “June” Friend.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald W. Friend, who died April 5, 1999.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C., of Saint Mark Catholic Church.

Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Friends may call beginning one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.