Richard "Dick" Van Loocke

BLISSFIELD – Richard D. “Dick” Van Loocke passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 14, 2015. Dick was born August 30, 1944 to George and Arlene (Knapp) Van Loocke in Blissfield, Michigan. He graduated from Blissfield High School in 1963. He had one son, Richard B. “Rik” Van Loocke, and he survives. He married Patty (Knadler) Van Loocke on September 30, 2005, and she also survives. Along with Rik and Patty, Dick leaves behind a daughter-in-law, Sharon; grandsons: Richard Zakary (Emilee Knakiewicz) Van Loocke and Jarik Rigby Walls Van Loocke, all of Ottawa Lake, MI; step-daughters, Stephanie (Ken) Prill of Mt. Hope, Kansas and Krysta (Kurt Snyder) Barron of Blissfield, MI; and step-granddaughters, Jade Williams and Lilly Snyder. Preceding him in death were his parents and his older twin sisters, Susann and Luann. Dick was a lifetime Lenawee County farmer. He also spent many years working alongside his father, George, in the family business, Van Loocke Oil Burner Service. When he was not found in his shop tinkering with any number of “Ford” projects, in his younger years, Dick was playing basketball in several local recreation leagues, spending time with his good friends (most of which had their own endearing nickname), making “donut shop” visits with his grandsons when they were little, or participating in area car shows with his son and eventually his grandson, Jarik (both of whom inherited the same love for Fords). There will be a brief service held at the Ottawa Lake Sportsmen’s Club on January 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life immediately after the service until 5:00 p.m. Please join the Van Loocke family in raising glass in Richard’s memory. “Richard the Hermit and his trusty dog, Two” lived his life his own way on his own terms. Those that knew him well know he was a strong willed man who fought hard until the end. May we not stay “bitter” and remain “still buddies”. May his memory never “wear thin” as we all learn to “get along” without him. May the “Black Label” and “Bluesberry” flow freely in Heaven as Dick now joins his many close friends who left the party too soon before him. Nothing will ever be the same. We will hold you in our hearts forever and always remember that smile and that hearty laugh…til we meet again. Those who would like to make a donation in memory of Dick please consider Hospice of Lenawee. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield where online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Richard "Dick" Van Loocke

August 30, 1944 - December 14, 2015