Richard L. Converse

CONVERSE, Richard L. Portage Passed away Sunday, June 24, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 8, 1941 in Detroit, the son of Owen and Doris Pundt Converse, and had been a resident of Portage for 12 years. He was a devoted husband, giving care and support to his wife, Carol, whom he married in 1965. Together they enjoyed the past several years wintering at Treasure Island, FL. He had a passion for books, John Wayne, real estate, the stock market and hunting. Richard served his country from 1959 to 1965 in the United States Marines and then in the United States Air Force. He worked in the real estate industry for most of his adult life, most recently as Broker/Owner of Converse & Associates, Inc., Realtors, and Converse Management Company. He also was a pig farmer in the Vicksburg area from 1970 until 1979. Richard is survived by his wife, Carol of Portage; his children, Kathryn Michael Decker of Scotts, Mark Converse of Delton, Matthew Converse of Kalamazoo, Elizabeth Gary Hallam of Scotts and John Tracy Converse of Scotts; 8 grandchildren; a sister, Carol Converse of Kalamazoo; a niece, Laura Converse of Kalamazoo. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Mark Nation. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday in the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. with Rev. James Dyke, officiating. Interment will follow in the South Portage Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6-8 PM. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Association.