Richard Raymond Kelps Jr.

Richard Raymond Kelps Jr., aged 58, passed away peacefully at his home early Friday, May 14th, 2021 surrounded by loved ones and his beloved dog. Born in Detroit, Michigan on March 7, 1963, Rich was raised in Canton, Michigan and most recently resided in Greenville, Michigan. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

Rich was a devoted father to his two daughters, a loving son to his parents, a doting grandfather to his grandson, a protective big brother to his two sisters, and a loyal friend to so many. Rich’s smile and laughter lit up every room he entered, and his quick wit, infectious humor, and unmatched jokes were and always will be legendary.

As a boy, Rich spent summers in Oklahoma on a family ranch enjoying the great outdoors and working alongside his Grandpa Alvin (Jake) Hawpe. By his grandfather’s side, Rich learned skills that led him to grow into a man who was the epitome of the American Dream. At the young age of 32, Rich became a self-made businessman when he started Wolverine Crane & Service, Inc., a thriving business he grew from the ground up. Rich had a strong work ethic and a fierce drive, but he also loved to have fun and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. During the summer months, he could be found on Torch Lake soaking up the Michigan summer sun. During the winter months, he would escape the Michigan cold and travel to his paradise in Cape Coral, FL.

Rich is survived by his partner, Lori Teman; his daughters, Nicole Kelps and Rachel (Jake) Riemenschneider; their mother and his former wife, Shelly Kelps; his grandson, Adrian Posthumus; his sisters, Carol (Gary) Glomski and Laura Stumbaugh; his parents, Richard and Geneva Kelps; his nephew, Mitchell Miller; his nieces, Megan Miller, Katelyn (Joseph) Valentine, Emily Stumbaugh; his cousins, Donald (Tammy) Stover; his uncle, Delbert (Jeanie) Hawpe; and his faithful dog of fourteen years, Stoli.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, May 20 at St. Charles Catholic Church, 505 S. Lafayette Street, Greenville, MI. Rich’s family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Due to construction on M57, people coming from Grand Rapids should take 131 to the West River Drive exit. Go east on West River Drive. Turn north onto Northland Drive. Turn east onto M44/Belding Road. Turn north onto M91/Storey Road go toward Greenville.