Richard Allen Van Gessel, Sr., age 68 of Newaygo and formerly of Grand Rapids, passed away Monday, December 18, 2017 at his home. Rich was born on April 11, 1949 in Grand Rapids to Raymond "Bud" and Clara (Ross) Van Gessel and graduated from Creston High School in 1969. Rich had been a driver for Alofs Manufacturing in Grand Rapids, The Grand Rapids Press and Kendall Electric, which he loved to do, for many years until his retirement. Rich was a Nascar fan and followed Richard Petty, was Detroit Tigers fan and had coached little league baseball. Rich also loved to bowl and was a certified YABA bowling instructor for kids and bowled on many leagues throughout the years. Rich was well known for his determination in everything he did in life. He wanted to thank Cathy Lea Stout and the staff of Fremont Family Medical for her wonderful care given to him and also thank the staff at the cancer treatment center in Fremont – Amy, Beth, Nancy, Michelle, April, Ann Marie, Sheryl, Karen, Laurie, May Ann, Maria, Joanie, Cathy and Dr. Colin Hardin for their care.

Richard is survived by his mother, Clara Mazur of Fremont; his wife, Denise (Sorensen) Van Gessel; his children, Richard Van Gessel Jr. of Haslett; Dennis (Kim) Van Gessel of Muir; Michael (Jennifer Collins) Van Gessel of Ionia; Christopher Van Gessel of Grand Rapids; Mari (Alan Oom) Van Gessel of Grand Rapids; Benjamin (Sarah) Herbert of Big Spring, Texas; Paul (Jessica Thompson) Herbert of Newaygo; his grandchildren, Michael, Brennon, Samuel, Shane, Angel, Lilly and Natasha Van Gessel; Jacob Herbert; Alexandria Adrainase; Alan Oom; Logan, Andrew, and Ethaniel Thompson; Ellianna Withers; very special uncle and aunts, Richard L. and Mary Van Gessel; his brother and sisters-in-laws, Chuck and Ninah Dickens of Lewisburg, Tennessee; Donna Hess of Grandville; Debbi & Alex Phipps of Crystal; June & Darwin Dickson of Lewisburg, Tennessee; Barbara & Richard Kelch of Caledonia; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and an uncle Tom and aunt Sally; a few select friends, Jim Yonkers, Kirk Yonkers, James Carlyle, Fred and Karen Veenstra, Kathy Pickard, Mike, Brandon and Josh Quillan, Wendy Parry, Debra Ackerberg, (his non-blood daughter and grandchildren) – Gina Oyler and her children, Maegan, Magenta and Brayden.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Newaygo United Church of Christ 432 Quaterline Newaygo Michigan 49337 with a time of visitation with the family from 12-1pm at the church. Friends may consider memorial contributions to the Richard Van Gessel Family to assist with expenses for memorial contributions. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Van Gessel family online at www.crandellfh.com

Visitation

Saturday, January 13, 2018 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Newaygo United Church of Christ 432 Quaterline Newaygo, MI 49337

Saturday, January 13, 2018 1:00 PM

Newaygo United Church of Christ 432 Quaterline Newaygo, MI 49337