Richard M. Vondell

Richard M. Vondell, age 84, of Battle Creek died Saturday morning, June 14, 2014 at Heritage Assisted Living in Battle Creek. He was born in Northampton, Massachusetts on April 6, 1930, the loving son of John and Muriel (Vittum) Vondell. Sadly when Richard was very young, Muriel passed away and he was raised by his step-mother, Esther (Hubbard) Vondell.

Richard graduated from Amherst High School in 1948 and the University of Massachusetts in 1952 with a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture. He then faithfully served his country as a Tech Sgt. in the United States Army in Korea with the 40th Division. Following his honorable discharge in 1954, Richard graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Master's Degree in Animal Nutrition and the University of Massachusetts with a Ph.D. in Food Science & Nutrition. In 1991, Richard retired from the Kellogg Company as the Sr. Director of the Cereal Product – Research Department after more than 28 years of faithful service.

Richard married the "Love of His Life", Jane Thompson in New Hartford, Connecticut on December 19, 1959; she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Laurie (Robert) Poplin of Alabama; his 3 sons, Jeffrey (Tara) Vondell of Battle Creek, Edward (Pilar) Vondell of Indiana, and Robert (Caren) Vondell of Bloomfield Hills, and 8 grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Richard was a member of the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Battle Creek where he served for many years as an usher. He was also a member of the Battle Creek Y-Center and the Kellogg 25-Year Club. A true family man, Richard was very active in his children's activities volunteering with the Indian Guides, Little League Baseball & Floor Hockey. He also enjoyed farming and renovating old farm homes.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where funeral services to celebrate Richard's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2014 with Rev. Chad M. Parmalee and Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel, officiating. Interment with full military honors will be held at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in memory of Richard to the Michigan Parkinson's Foundation or the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Richard may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.