Richard Wimmer

Richard K. Wimmer had the heart and hands of an artist. He saw beauty around him and formed it into works of art. He appreciated design and shaped it into practical craft. For all his skill and artistry, he took great care of people and spent himself for his loved ones. He liked to socialize, stay active and have fun, as evidenced by his infectious laughter.

Richard’s story began the year Charles Lindbergh made his historic transatlantic flight in 33.5 hours, spurring on the can-do spirit that brought mass production of the automobile by Michigan’s own Henry Ford. Richard was born on the west side of the state in Grand Rapids, and he too exhibited creative qualities and steadfast determination. Whatever Richard did, he put his heart into it and was inspired by what was possible.

The oldest child of John and Neva (Justus) Wimmer, Richard’s birth on February 18, 1927 began a family that included his two sisters, Phyllis and Nita. The Wimmers moved to the northwest side of the city when Richard was young, and he did his schooling at Oakleigh Elementary and went to Valley Methodist Church. He was always a responsible child with a flair for the artistic. As a Boy Scout, he excelled to the level of Eagle Scout and landed his first job in the dietary department of the hospital where his mother worked. He enjoyed painting and wood carving, and over the years, he tried his hand at many-a craft. Some projects he dropped just shy of being finished, but when it came to painting and carving, Richard always completed his work.

Art and design figured prominently in Richard’s schooling and career choices. He went for vocational training at Davis Tech in Grand Rapids and then to Kendall Art College through the GI Bill. In New York City, he enrolled in Phoenix College of Design, and when the war started, he enlisted with the Graphic Art Unit of the Coast Guard. It was not a difficult assignment because he was stationed in New York at a private residence, and after leaving the service, he worked for an artist in the big city. During the summer, he regularly returned home to Grand Rapids for a few weeks and looked for a short term job.

It was while at Grand Rapids Metalcraft that he met a young woman named Dorothy McCormick who captured his romantic interests and their first date was at a company picnic. She and Richard dated for a time and then married on January 29, 1955. Their honeymoon in Chicago further altered Richard’s future. Not only was the plane ride his first, but he was impressed by the attractions of the city. Richard was so impressed that he repeated the visit many times over as he and Dorothy drove to Chicago to get his fill of urban beauty.

Over the years, Richard worked for several businesses, mostly in industrial design and drafting with such companies as Allen Company, American Seating, Evans Products and Rapistan Dematic for 15 years. He loved his work. When he went to work for 5/3 Bank for the 16 years prior to retirement, he enjoyed his time there as well. He liked to go into work early, since he was an early riser anyway, and he was usually able to be home for lunch. When not working, Richard picked up his hobbies and other hands-on activities, like restoring an older Jeep and helping a neighbor put new engine lifters in a car. True to form, Richard was always looking for something to do.

Among his leisure activities, Richard worked in his garden, grew lots of tomatoes, listened to country music but also to classical, loved family reunion picnics, went bargain hunting, played responsibly at Soaring Eagle Casino, dined out and fished the Muskegon River in Newaygo with his brother-in-law, and enjoyed traveling to other lakes with Dorothy. Actually, he fished while she read a book and held onto the net. It didn’t matter to Richard just as long as the trout were biting.

Over their 58 years of marriage, Richard and Dorothy got along wonderfully. She did most of the talking, and he gave the appearance he was listening. In truth, their life together was filled with good humor and great joy. Richard will be deeply missed, and his eye for beauty—in people and places—will long be remembered.

With deteriorating health, Richard moved to Clark Retirement Community the summer of 2013 and passed away December 30th in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Mr. Richard K. Wimmer, age 86, is now in the arms of his Lord and Savior. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Neva Wimmer; sister Phyllis Gingrich; brother-in-law Gerald A Kragt; and by his sister-in-law Marian Jean McCormick. Richard is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his sister, Nita Kragt; brother-in-law Don Gingrich, as well as several nieces and nephews. A service to remember and celebrate Richard's life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 2 PM at First United Methodist Church, 227 E. Fulton, where Richard had been a member for 50 years. Friends are invited to visit with his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - 1833 Plainfield NE on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and on Saturday at the church from 1 PM until the service. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either First United Methodist Church or Clark Retirement Community Benevolent Fund. To read more about his life, to share a memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com