- Date Of Death: June 20, 2017
- State: Michigan
Richard Eldren Spriks, age 75, of Rapid River passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at his daughter’s home in Escanaba.
Richard was born June 2, 1942 in Detroit, the son of Eldren “Shine” and Bea (Laurin) Spriks. He graduated from Rapid River High School in 1960. Richard served his country proudly in the United States Air Force from 1960 through 1964. He was united in marriage to his first wife, Ahnora “Cookie” Lee on November 18, 1967 in Wichita, Kansas. He was united in marriage to his second wife, Edith “Edyie” Becker on December 22, 1972 in Wichita, Kansas. Richard worked as a pipefitter for the National Automatic Sprinkler Industry for many years. He was very active with the Rapid River American Legion Post 301 and was instrumental in starting their recycling program. Richard was a huge supporter of the Rapid River Rockets and enjoyed volunteering at the Rapid River Schools as an assistant librarian and an audio and sound man. He was also a huge supporter of the Rapid River community and enjoyed volunteering whenever he could. He was also a Civil War reenactor with the Black Powder Mountain Men, a Boy Scout Leader and loved celebrating Halloween.
Richard is survived by his daughters, Crystal (Jeff) Barber of Quartzsite, AZ, Sheila (David) Wedell of Escanaba, MI, Lisa (Dawn Tomac) Mann of Escanaba, MI and Amanda (Tyler Gilson) Spriks of Gladtone, MI; his sons, Robert (Debbie) Mann of Gladstone, MI and Brian (Nichole) Spriks of Gladstone, MI; twelve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; his brothers, Tom (Linda) Spriks of Neenah, WI, Jim (Kathy) Spriks of Stonington, MI, Mike (Tanya) Spriks of Rapid River, MI and Pat Spriks of Rapid River, MI; his sisters, Judy (Paul) Sidbeck of Neenah, WI and Linda (the late Bill) Micheau of Rhinelander, WI; sister-in-law, Carrie Spriks of Rapid River, MI, numerous nieces and nephews and his former wife, Ahnora “Cookie” Maher of Quartzsite, AZ.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith, his daughter, Megan Marohnic and his parents.
