Mickey "Richard" Marquardt

Mickey “Richard” Marquardt, born in McCook, Nebraska on January 30, 1948, went to be with his Lord February 10, 2025. Richard graduated Silver State High School in 1967 and lived with his parents in Nebraska, Minnesota, and Ohio, before settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he lived for nearly 40 years.

A devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, Richard was well known for his warm spirit and his ever-present encouragement: “Well, I’ll be praying for you!” His faith was central to his life, and he never hesitated to share it. Richard had an outgoing personality and never met a stranger.  Music was one of Richard’s gifts—he delighted in playing the piano, accordion and harmonica at local Bible studies and church services, and those he lived with over the years, including the Kelly family.

Richard took pride in his part-time work at the Grand Rapids Convention Bureau, enjoying the independence of earning his regular paycheck for many years. He could do complex math computations in his head and was a formidable foe in Scrabble and Chess. He had an ability to memorize scripture and could remember dates of birthdays and anniversaries of his extended family. He loved getting around Grand Rapids by bus and bicycle, finding joy in meeting a friend for coffee, especially his long-time friend Jack Sytsma.

Richard lived most recently at Bishop Hills Assisted living in Rockford, MI, which allowed him to be close to his brother Steve. Richard spent countless Sunday dinners after church and holidays with Steve and Pat and their children. He appreciated the efforts Steve and Pat made to include him in family activities, help with paperwork, manage his medical appointments and housing and answer his many, many phone calls every day. He looked forward to his yearly birthday dinner with all his siblings and enjoyed reminiscing about people and places from the past. Despite facing many health challenges, Richard never lost his wit, love for puns, and ability to talk to everyone he met. He leaves behind a legacy of his faith, resilience, and connection.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde F. and Vera (Stevens) Marquardt, and his great-niece Emersyn Grace Marquardt. Left to cherish his memory are his siblings and their  families, John and Mary Jo Marquardt, Steve and Pat Marquardt and Sue and Don Slater, including  9 nieces and nephews, their spouses and their children: Jason and Malorie Marquardt, Scott and  Kristen Marquardt, Todd and Aaryn Marquardt, Dr. Sheila Marquardt and Joshua Olmsted, Katie  and Bryan Parris, Kristi and RJ Renteria, Brandon and Heather Marquardt, Caroline and Tucker  Wheeler and Anne Slater; 22 great-nieces and nephews; Aunt Arla (Marquardt) Likes and many  cousins.

A celebration of life service will be held March 29, 2025, at 11:00 am at Cedar Springs Baptist Church, 233 S Main, Cedar Springs, with Pastor Mike Wittmer officiating. Visitation will be Saturday prior to the service, 10-10:45 a.m., and a light lunch will follow the service. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.