Dick Shutes, 76

Richard A. “Dick” Shutes, age 76, of Three Rivers died Friday Sep. 27, 2013 at Clare Bridge of Portage following a long illness. He was born in Three Rivers on Dec. 24, 1936 the oldest son of Vaughn and Lucille (Van Brunk) Shutes and has been a lifetime resident of the Three Rivers area. He graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1953 and attended Western Michigan University. He worked briefly as a construction engineer and surveyor before going to work for Armstrong International in 1968. At Armstrong he held several titles, retiring as a Vice President in 1996.

Dick was a former member of the Mendon Kiwanis Club and the Mendon Athletic Boosters and was instrumental in building the first track at Mendon High School. He was a University of Michigan football fan and enjoyed fishing and golf. He especially loved watching his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Dick was married to Joanne Wolf in the Mendon United Methodist Church on Feb. 7, 1959. She survives along with three children, Kathryn (Cameron) Spence of Mendon, Steven (Judi) Shutes of Three Rivers, and Brianna (Jon) May of Chelsea; ten grandchildren, Abby, Adam, and Emily Spence, Dan, Drew, and Sam Shutes, and Mikaela, Jenna, Tristan, and Trevor May; three brothers, Jerry Shutes of Richardson, TX, Bob (Leslee) Shutes of Portage, and Jeff Shutes of Dallas, TX; a sister, Christy (Dan) Ohlman of Portage; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by two infant sons.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 1, 2013 at the funeral home with Rev. Rob Nystrom, Pastor of both the Mendon United Methodist Church and the First United Methodist Church of Three Rivers officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. It is suggested that memorials be directed to either the Michigan Parkinsons Foundation, or to the Mendon United Methodist Church. Condolences may be left for the family at www.efhchapel.com