Richard “Rich” First
November 18th, 1947 - July 29th, 2023
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Rich's Obituary
Richard “Rich” First, 75, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M., Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Berrien County Youth Fair or the Lincoln Township Fire Department. Those wishing to share a memory of Rich online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Rich was born November 18, 1947 in Benton Harbor, MI to Harold “Harry” & Gertrude (Ziemke) First. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1966. Rich worked as a pattern maker for Star Pattern and Industrial Pattern until his retirement. Rich enjoyed going to all the local fairs. He especially enjoyed the Berrien County Youth fair where he volunteered driving people around in the golf carts to their destinations. Rich also enjoyed going to the St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center, playing cards, traveling, going to the casino, and spending time with his family and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events.
Rich is survived by his companion Pat Phillips; ex-spouse Suzanne First; daughter Renee (Dennis) Franklin; grandsons Kyle Carlson, Alex First and Seth (Cassidy) First; great grandchildren Beckhem Eric First and Adelyn Jean First; sister-in-law Paula First; many nieces and nephews; and grand Kitty.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents; son Eric First; sister Diane and brothers Ron and Doug.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M., Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Berrien County Youth Fair or the Lincoln Township Fire Department. Those wishing to share a memory of Rich online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Rich was born November 18, 1947 in Benton Harbor, MI to Harold “Harry” & Gertrude (Ziemke) First. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1966. Rich worked as a pattern maker for Star Pattern and Industrial Pattern until his retirement. Rich enjoyed going to all the local fairs. He especially enjoyed the Berrien County Youth fair where he volunteered driving people around in the golf carts to their destinations. Rich also enjoyed going to the St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center, playing cards, traveling, going to the casino, and spending time with his family and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events.
Rich is survived by his companion Pat Phillips; ex-spouse Suzanne First; daughter Renee (Dennis) Franklin; grandsons Kyle Carlson, Alex First and Seth (Cassidy) First; great grandchildren Beckhem Eric First and Adelyn Jean First; sister-in-law Paula First; many nieces and nephews; and grand Kitty.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents; son Eric First; sister Diane and brothers Ron and Doug.
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