Richard Lee Groenheide

Richard Groenheide of Kalamazoo, Michigan, went to be home with his Lord and Savior on November 28, 2024, at the age of 86. He was the son of Arthur and Clara Groenheide. On June 9, 1961, Rich married Marcia Kooi. This year, Rich and Marcia celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Rich graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1956 and from Western Michigan University in 1960 and received a master’s degree in 1962. He taught high school math for nine years, worked at R. C. Byce & Associates for three years, then worked for 25 years at Pharmacia Upjohn, retiring in 1997.

Rich enjoyed get-togethers with family, bus trips, stays in Florida, golfing, bike riding, watching sports, playing cards with friends – and he even designed two homes.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife; sons, Dan, Stan (Teresia), and Doug; grandchildren, Joseph Groenheide, Sarah (Tuval) Vaknin, Jacob (Emily) Wnuk-Groenheide, and Becky (Matt) Ligon; great-grandchildren, Logan and Brittney; sisters, Ilene Voss, Hazel (Carl) Bussema; and sister-in-law, Pat Sullivan.

Preceding Rich in death are his parents; brother, Nelson; brothers-in-law, Gar Napp, Al Voss, Tom Sullivan, and Jim Kooi.

Rich’s family would like to extend a special “thank you” to his caregivers from Absolute Home Care, Bickford of Portage, and Careline Hospice.

Services to honor Rich’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. A private burial will take place at Genessee Prairie Cemetery in Oshtemo Township.

Memorial donations in Rich’s honor may be made to National Alzheimer’s Association, Calvary Bible Church – Missions Fund, Loaves & Fishes, or a charity of your choice. To leave an online condolence, visit https://www.langelands.com.