••• Richard Francis Van ….
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Richard Francis Van Wasshnova 1939-2021 Richard Francis Van Wasshnova died unexpectedly on March 15. He was 81.
Richard was born Aug. 9, 1939, in South Rockwood, Michigan. The second of seven siblings born to Frank and Margaret (Bodenmiller) Van Wasshnova, Richard grew up on his family’s farm. After high school he enlisted in the Air Force in 1957, where this small town Michigan boy found himself in such far away places as Alaska, California and Nevada.
In 1967, Richard met his future wife, Diane Weinger, over the telephone when he called her answering service. They soon fell in love and were married in 1968. A few years later, their only child, Melissa, was born. The family settled in Trenton, Michigan, where they remained for the next 30 years. Richard worked as an electronic technician at Conrail and enjoyed tinkering with electronics and broken-down TV sets in the family’s basement.
Following their retirements in 2001, Richard and Diane moved from Michigan directly to Leisure World to be near their grandchildren. Together, they enjoyed playing pinochle and participating in the Friendly Couples Club. Richard was also a faithful member of Leisure World’s Holy Family Catholic Church.
Known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, he was a dedicated and loving grandfather who picked up his grandkids after school for 15 years and never missed a dance performance, sports game, school play or awards ceremony. Richard loved listening to classical music, and enjoyed a tasty morning routine of Chips Ahoy cookies and black coffee for breakfast. He was interested in astronomy and was super passionate about genealogy, tracing some lines back to the 1400s.
Faithfully devoted to his wife until her death in 2016, Richard was fortunate to find love and companionship for a second time with Dorothy Favre, with whom he enjoyed his remaining years. Dorothy inspired in Richard a love of golf, karaoke parties, dances and concerts.
Richard is preceded in death by Diane, his wife of 47 years, and two brothers. He leaves behind his daughter Melissa (Scott) Theiring, four siblings, his brother- in-law Harold (Marion) Weinger, with whom he remained close, and numerous wonderful nieces and nephews. He played a big part in the lives of his three grandchildren, Brandon, Logan and Olivia, who loved and adored their Papa very much.
Richard was a quiet and humble man with a kind heart. He was loving and patient and always willing to help or do anything for others. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. A funeral Mass is planned for late April.
-paid obituary
