Richard J. Hagmeyer

Although his life was filled with many things, there was nothing of greater value to Richard Hagmeyer than family. He lived various places throughout his life, but it was his family that truly made his house a home. Dick was a man of great intelligence who worked hard throughout his life, yet he always made time to enjoy life along the way. Life was not without trials for Dick, but he faced whatever came his way with strength, integrity, and courage. The thirties were a time unlike any other in American history with countless families facing hardship due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. What was once the land of opportunity had become the land of desperation. Stars like Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio drew people to the baseball stadium and those who could not attend the games gathered around their radios to catch the play-by-play. It was during this trying time that there was great cause to celebrate in the family of Jacob and Frieda (Helfrich) Hagmeyer, however, as they welcomed their son, Richard, into the world on October 25, 1933. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Richard was one of six children in his family including older sisters Mary, Rita, and Ruth and younger siblings Bob and Judy. Times were tough in the Hagmeyer family and there was barely enough money to go around. Dick attended local schools where he developed a passion for math as a student at Garfield High School in Akron. He was a young man who worked hard for what he wanted and was the first person in his family to own a car. After graduating from high school in 1951, Dick entered the Air Force in 1952 and served as a ground radio operator. He was discharged in August of 1960 and was ready to build a career. Dick pursued his education and graduated from Kent State University in 1964. Also during this time, he met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was LaVonne Rudel and after dating for a time, they were united in marriage on July 15, 1956. They settled into a home in Ohio where Dick and LaVonne welcomed their son David into their hearts and home in 1959. The Hagmeyer family didnt remain in Ohio for very long though as they moved to Santa Monica, California, in 1964. With the birth of their daughter Cheryl that year, their family was complete. Dick worked hard to support his family at McDonnell Douglas where he performed top secret work for their space program for many years. The Hagmeyers bought their first home on Traverse Drive in 1967 located within a subdivision that oddly enough, had roads all named after Michigan towns. Dick continued to support his family at McDonnell Douglas throughout the remainder of his career until he retired in 1990. Dick was a man of many interests. He highly valued his friendships with Ken and Wilma Francis. Actually, they were more like family as their two families spent holidays, weekends, and other special times together on a regular basis. Dick was raised Lutheran and was a trustee on the board at Christ Lutheran Church for many years. He was a huge Los Angeles Lakers fan, was an avid golfer, and played black jack, too. Dick coached softball for McDonnell Douglas for many years as well as his son Davids little league team and enjoyed puttering around in his yard. He enjoyed fun-filled trips to Ohio, North Dakota, Michigan, and Mexico where memories were made that lasted a lifetime. Dick loved hot fudge sundaes and since he hated cheese, he always ordered his pizza without it. When his children married during the eighties, great and exciting changes were in store for Dick and LaVonne. When their first grandson, Scott, was born, Dick was ecstatic and through the years, he was blessed with four more grandchildren. He was very close with all of his grandchildren throughout the rest of his life. Tough times were ahead for Dick and LaVonne when she was diagnosed with cancer in 1999. In 2001 they sold their home in California and moved to Spring Lake, Michigan, where they rented a duplex in October of 2001. Dick was devastated when his beloved LaVonne died in 2002 and was never able to fully come to grips with being on his own. He continued on with life as best he could, delighting in his family and catching Tigers games, playing cards, and regularly visiting Vics Restaurant where he loved to play Keno. Dick dealt with health issues of his own through the years and eventually his body succumbed to the fight. There were so many things that made Richard Hagmeyer such a remarkable man who was a joy to know. He was organized and straight forward, and he always had an encouraging word at the ready. Dick enjoyed things such as golf, playing cards, and traveling, but his family always held the most prominent place in his heart. He was blessed to share more than 45 years with the love of his life with whom he created the family he was so proud of. Dick leaves behind precious memories that will be forever cherished by those he leaves behind. Richard J. Hagmeyer died on Monday, August 2, 2010. Dicks family includes his son, David (Sonja) Hagmeyer of WA; daughter, Cheryl (Dan) Crouse of Norton Shores; sisters, Mary (Jim) Basford of OH, twins, Rita Sheehan and Ruth (Bob) Berus of OH, Judy (Mike) Barcy of NY; sister-in-law, Sharon Hagmeyer of Rockford; grandchildren, Scott, Bryan, Tyler, Travis, Cassidy; several nieces & nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne and brother, Bob. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 6, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Fruitport location, Fruitport, MI, with Pastor Paul Urban officiating. Visit with Dicks family and friends on Friday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Fruitport. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to The Journey Community Church.