Howard J. 9 BIGELOW
Pritchard Cemetery; Elwell, Gratiot County, Michigan
15337.42491
Richard D. Bigelow, b 14 Jan 1930; d 13 Apr 2018 (aged 88); m 07
Feb 1948 Colleen Joyce Throop (1932-2012) (see below);
Richland Township Cemetery; Vestaburg, Montcalm County,
Michigan
Obituary:
Richard, 88, of Vestaburg, passed away Friday, April 13, 2018
at Masonic Pathways in Alma.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at the
Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma with Pastor George Showers
officiating. Interment followed at Richland Township Cemetery,
Vestaburg.
Nick was the son of Howard and Marcella (Doepker) Bigelow. He
graduated with the class of 1948 at Alma High School, where he
earned a school letter in FFA and also served as a State FFA
Officer.
Nick was known for raising pigs while in high school and continued
to do so for several more years.
On February 7, 1948 he married Colleen (Throop) Bigelow. They were
married 64 years. Nick worked a number of years for the Vestaburg
Silo Company. Then after 36 years with the Wolverine Power Supply
Company as plant supervisor, he retired in 1992.
Nick enjoyed deer camp in the Upper Peninsula near Ontonagon,
wintering in Zephyrhills, Florida, tending to his garden and lawn
and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan.
He was a trustee on the Richland Township Board, member of the
Vestaburg Lions Club, coached little league (he was instrumental
in starting this team in Vestaburg) and pony league and supported
his children and grandchildren in their school and sporting
events.
He was a compassionate man regarding his family and community, who
was very proud to say, he was from Vestaburg. He was a loyal
father and friend and would lend a helping hand whenever needed.
He was named a Vestaburg Pioneer during the 2013 Vestaburg
Community Days.
Nick is survived by his children, Steven (Marguerite) Bigelow of
Vestaburg, Micheal (Jane) Bigelow of Dorr, Cheryl (Don) Rice of
Rudyard and Richard “Rich” (Denise) Bigelow of Vestaburg,
grandchildren, Jason, Erin, Robert, Mike, Nick, Luke, Tamara,
Heath, great-grand children, Amber, Mike, Lydee, Brody, Colleen,
Elise, Noah, Preston, Owen, Joel, Reese, Harper and a great great
granddaughter Addelyn. Also siblings Ida, Wanda, Donelda, Phyllis
and Ed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Colleen, brothers
Ken, Phil and sister Nancy.
In lieu of flowers and because of Nick’s passion for baseball,
please consider memorial contributions to the Vestaburg Youth
League or the Vestaburg Community School Athletic Department.
The family would like to extend appreciation to Great Lakes
Hospice and the Masonic Pathways for their compassionate care.
Obituary Colleen:
Colleen, 80, of Vestaburg, passed away Tuesday, at Masonic
Pathways with her husband by her side and her children nearby.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at
Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home in Alma with Pastor George Showers
of the Seville Community Church of God officiating.
Contributions may be made to Vestaburg Community Schools.
Colleen was born in Ferris Township the daughter of Amos and Rhea
(Covey) Throop. Colleen was married to the love of her life
Richard "Nick" Bigelow on February 7, 1948 and together they
raised four children.
Colleen was a model housewife and mother. Her home and family were
nurtured with plenty of love. She enjoyed her garden, canning and
freezing many fruits and vegetables. Colleen was well known for
her dill pickles and always had a jar ready to share with family,
neighbors and friends.
Colleen was deeply committed to her community by working at the
Vestaburg Community School in their cafeteria, always supporting
the school and the athletic teams. She was also available and
willing to help in the community whenever there was a need. She
enjoyed camping in the summer and wintering in Zephyrhills,
Florida.
Colleen recently celebrated her 80th birthday at a party
with her children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren
attending. She enjoyed conversations with everyone but especially
the meal prepared by her daughter.
Colleen is survived by her husband of 64 years, Nick Bigelow of
Vestaburg, four children, Steven (Marguerite) Bigelow of
Vestaburg, Micheal (Jane) Bigelow of Dorr, Cheryl (Don) Rice of
Rudyard and Rich (Denise) Bigelow of Vestaburg, her grandchildren,
Jason (Sharyl) Bigelow, Erin Bigelow, Robert Bigelow, Michael
Bigelow, Nick (Katie) Rice, Luke (Aimee) Rice, Tamara (Jerad
Salisbury) Bigelow and Heath (Katie) Bigelow, great-grandchildren,
Amber Bigelow, Michael Simmons, Owen Rice, Joel Rice, Lydee
Salisbury, Brody Salisbury, Reese Bigelow and a
great-granddaughter due around August 17, 2012. Also a sister,
Betty Bigelow, sister-in-law, Janet Throop as well as cousins,
nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Arden and
Jack Throop, a sister, Doreen Wood and two brothers-in-law, Don
Wood and Bob Bigelow.
<
rodbigelow@netzero.net > 
