Richard "Dick" Briegel's Obituary
Richard “Dick” Briegel passed away on September 22, 2020 at age 75.
Richard was born to Carl and Janet Briegel on December 12, 1944 in Grand Haven, Michigan. A Grand Haven High School graduate, he went on to attend Michigan State University to obtain his degree in business and become a CPA. During this time, he also served in the National Guard. Richard married his beloved wife, Patricia (DeClark) in 1968. During their 52 years of marriage, Richard and Patricia had three children, Rude, Carrie and Erika who they raised in Spring Lake surrounded by Richard’s extended family. Richard began his finance career as an auditor for Ernst & Young and from there moved to Guardsman Chemical in Grand Rapids. He returned to his hometown of Spring Lake and briefly worked at GTE Corporation before finding a home at Coles Quality Foods in Muskegon where he served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer. Richard then served as CFO of Quincey Street, Inc. in Holland until he retired in 2004. After retirement, he continued to prepare taxes and keep his CPA license active. Richard had a strong belief in serving the community. Richard served for nine years on the Board of Governors for Spring Lake Country Club, serving as president 1994-1996. His love of the tri-cities area led him to serve on the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation as a trustee from 1995-2001, where he held the officer positions of Treasurer, Vice President, and President and was a member of the Endowment and Executive committees. A devout Christian who was quietly steadfast in his faith, Richard served on Christ Community Church Consistory, as an Elder at First Reformed Church of Grand Haven, and on the board of Christian Haven Home. During retirement, Richard enjoyed spending winters in The Villages in Florida where he could golf, play pickleball, and stay active in the investment and computer clubs. Always one to keep busy, he had most recently joined the American Legion. Each summer he would return to Spring Lake to enjoy spending time with his brothers and walk the pier. Richard loved his family unconditionally but somehow found a way to love his grandchildren even more. Richard was patient, loving and kind with a wonderful laugh and a great sense of humor. He found the good in everyone and always made all feel welcome. He valued his friendships and held himself to a high moral standard. Richard joins his parents, Carl and Janet, his brothers-in-law, Gordon Kamstra and Dr. Robert DeClark, his sister-in-law Donna DeClark and his nieces Stacie Kleeves and Julie Vickers in Heaven. He will be forever missed and loved by his wife, Patricia, his siblings, Karen (Keith) Brower, Ron (Peggy) Briegel, Randy (Dawn) Briegel, and Ryan (Dee) Briegel. His children Rude (Amanda) Briegel, Carrie (Mark) Miko and Erika (Rodney) Smith and his beloved grandchildren, Ryen Briegel, Lauren and Patrick Miko, Benny and Josie Smith, Reese Christian and Phoenix Bol will remember and hold him dear in their hearts forever. An open house celebration to honor his life and share memories will be held outside at Spring Lake Yacht Club on Saturday, September 26 from 2-5 PM for close friends and family. Social distancing and masks will be required when attending the event. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Charitable Family Fund of Richard & Patricia Briegel, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the guestbook online at www.sytsemafh.com
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