Richard Vredenburg

BACKUS - Richard Vredenburg, age 85, of Backus, passed away Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. He was born June 10, 1924, in Akeley to Clarence and Maude Vredenburg. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Richard was united in marriage to Verona Holden in Backus on Sept. 21, 1947.

He is survived by sons, Gary (Elaine), of Grand Rapids, Dale (Naomi), of Backus, Neil (Carol), of Backus, Wayne (Sherri), of Cohasset, Tracy (Angie), of Grand Rapids; daughters, Melody Tilbury (Calvin), of Backus, Tammy Gearey (Paul), of Pine River, Shannon Vredenburg, of Pequot Lakes, Mary Davis (Dan), of Santa Rosa, Calif.; 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Verona; grandson, Brady; and sister, Lorraine Wilson.

Services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, at Church of the Nazarene in Backus, with Pastor Greg Baker officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Backus. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.