Richard Van Fossen
Richard “Rick” Eugene Van Fossen, II, a man who strived to make something he was proud of, died April 14, 2022. Rick, 74, of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Potterville was born April 11, 1948 in Flint to Richard and Evelyn (Petherbridge) Van Fossen, Sr. Rick was a proud father who supported his children in whatever goals they set for themselves and whenever they did something wrong, he would smile to himself as he thought, “I did that once.” He was a natural leader and teacher. Rick coached baseball, softball, basketball, and wrestling, and all of the kids he coached were “his kids.” After he stopped coaching, he could be found in the stands cheering them on. Building a successful construction company of over 40 years was one of Rick’s many talents. He couldn’t have done it without Bill Bill and LeRoy, among others. People trusted him to do it right and he did! Rick was an outdoorsman. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and golfing were some of his favorite hobbies. You could catch him taking pot-shots at squirrels off the deck as his orange pellets were left standing everywhere. As a story teller people were drawn to him. He would fill their lives with jokes and an infectious laugh that you couldn’t get enough of. Rick served his country as a Airborne Ranger in the Army, he was loving, always happy (well, most of the time) and will be missed by many.
Rick is survived by his wife, Theresa; daughter, Jen (Chuck) Sesniak; son, Josh (Ashley) Van Fossen; grandchildren; Izzy Sesniak; Evan, Mason and Roman Van Fossen; brother, Mike Van Fossen. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard (Dick) and Evelyn (Petherbridge) Van Fossen, Sr.; sister, Diane Van Fossen Paine and niece, Kelly Van Fossen.
Friends and family are encouraged to support his family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Pray Funeral Home of Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home of Charlotte.