Richard K. Reider Jr.'s Obituary
Richard K. Reider Jr., age 79, passed away on March 20, 2024, unexpectedly at his residence. Rick was born on January 28, 1945, to Richard and Janet (McMahan) Reider Sr., in Pittsburgh, PA. Rick was the oldest of 5 children. He grew up in Wheaton, IL before his family moved to LaPorte, IN. Rick excelled in academics and sports, especially football and track. He was an all-state running back and went on to attend Duke University on a full-ride football scholarship. Rick was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and graduated from Duke with a history degree. His love of history and reading led him to Indiana University—Bloomington (Maurer) School of Law where he earned his law degree. During law school, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Army National Reserves and was stationed in Fort Huachuca, AZ. Rick had a passion for everything military and aviation.
Following his legal education, Rick moved to Muskegon to start his legal career and worked in private practice, eventually establishing his own firm where he specialized in family law for over 50 years. Rick loved the practice of law and was a fierce advocate for his clients and well respected by his colleagues (“It’s what I do” he would remark when retirement was broached). He was very proud of his successful litigation of a landmark family law case in front of the Michigan Supreme Court during his career.
On September 18, 1981, he married Patricia Dahlstrom and she preceded him in death on September 26, 2016. Rick and Patty had one child together, Benjamin (Alyssa) Reider, who survives them and thanks them for being the best and most supporting parents. Rick was very proud of his son who looked up to him and followed in his footsteps. They were fortunate to live down the road from each other, allowing them to spend quality time together on a frequent basis.
When not practicing law, Rick enjoyed spending time with his family on his deck overlooking Bear Lake and traveling to his favorite vacation place, Duck in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He also enjoyed reading, attending air shows, going to the movies, working in the yard, boating, traveling, and cheering on Duke basketball. His love for military flyovers and the melodies of Elvis will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him. Well, as ‘Elvis has left the building,’ Rick will surely be buzzing the aircraft carrier tower with Goose, his contagious laugh echoing alongside the military flyovers he loved, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
SURVIVORS include son, Benjamin (Alyssa) Reider and granddog Finley; brothers, David (Susan) Reider; Robin (Becky) Reider; Mark (Katerina) Reider; sister, Patricia Reider; special friend, Heidi Rea, along with many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Patty, his parents, Richard & Janet Reider, stepson, Tom Boyd, and beloved golden retriever, Dollar.
Our family thanks everyone for their support during this difficult time. In honoring Rick’s wishes, there will be no formal visitation or funeral. Instead, we invite you to share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com. Those desiring to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Muskegon Rescue Mission, 2735 E. Apple Ave, Suite D, Muskegon, MI 49441.
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