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Richard Duane Atkinson, 83, of rural Three Rivers, died Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010 at his home. He was born in Constantine on Nov. 22, 1926 the son of Ward and Edith (Forreider) Atkinson. He was a 1945 graduate of Three Rivers High School before joining the U.S. Army and serving in Germany and France. After WWII he returned to Three Rivers where he worked for the Johnson Corporation, retiring as a foreman in 1986.
Dick was a volunteer firefighter for the city of Three Rivers from 1955 to 1972. He enjoyed bowling in several Three Rivers area leagues. He was a member of the American Legion, the Elks Club, and the Eagles Lodge all of Three Rivers. Dick loved working in his garage and could fix almost anything. He greatly enjoyed dancing. He was called the Patriarch of the Peninsula by neighbors around his Fishers Lake home.
Dick was married to Donna Rice on May 28, 1960 in Three Rivers. She survives along with five children and their spouses, Linda Darrow (Jon) of Alma, Lawrence (Lorna) Atkinson of Vicksburg, Rick (Barb) Atkinson of Thompsons Station, Tenn., Randall (Lori) Atkinson of Johnston, Iowa, and Jeffery (Robin) Atkinson of Three Rivers; 10 grandchildren, Jason, Nathan, and Logan Darrow, Lonnie Duane and Lance (Jennifer) Atkinson, Emily (Graham) Goodloe, Erin Atkinson, Gregory (Crystal) Atkinson, Jacob and Rachel Atkinson; three great-grandchildren, Emily, Landon, and Grace; and by his faithful dog, Zoe. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by two brothers, Ronald and Roger Atkinson.
Cremation has been conducted. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14 at the Eickhoff, Farrand, Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Memorial services will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Jim Stillwell, Pastor of the Ninth Street United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial of ashes will follow at Moorepark Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial donations be directed to the Three Rivers Health Hospice. An online register is available and condolences may be left for the family at www.efhchapel.com.
