Richard A. Popenhagen

Richard A. Popenhagen, 82, of Battle Creek, passed away from a sudden illness, January 19, 2014. Richard was born December 14, 1931 in Battle Creek to Donald and Bertha (VanWormer) Popenhagen. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and later worked for the Columbia Sheet Metal Company.
Richard enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing, bike riding and canoeing. He loved to do anything outdoors, especially working in his yard and taking pictures of birds and flowers. He also loved to go to the airport to watch the airplanes land. But most of all, Richard loved to spend time with his family.
Richard is survived by his five children, Teresa (Scott) Mills, Janice (Mike) Karsten, Jeffery (Renee) Popenhagen, Richard Popenhagen and Linda (Richard) McNees; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and his special friend, Wilma Green. He was preceded in death by his wife, Leota in 1978, a daughter, Debbie Smith and a brother, Robert Popenhagen.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, where funeral services to celebrate his life will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 23, officiated by his nephew, Pastor Mike Popenhagen. Interment with full military honors will follow at Dowling Cemetery. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the care Richard received at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo and for the love and support from Mary Popenhagen. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.