Richard Edward Totten, age 62, of Escanaba died on Wednesday February 10, 2010 at his residence in Escanaba.
Rick was born on June 3, 1947 in Big Rapids, MI the son of Johnie and Shirley (Lewis) Totten. He moved to Escanaba and married Penelope Rae Pieropon on January 24, 1970 in Spalding, Michigan , at St. Francis Xavier Church.
Constant Companions, they traveled to several national and international drag races in the U.S. and Canada, the Indy 500, antique car shows, and Tiger baseball games. Classical concerts and exploring new cities were favorite destinations. Cheering for the Red Wings occupied many evenings during hockey season.
Nature was respected and admired by Rick. His childhood was spent camping with his family. Later, he hunted for whitetails in the U.P., and for mule deer in Wyoming and Colorado. His enjoyment of fishing grew into a devoted hobby of restoring poles and collecting antique rods, reels and tackle, which accumulated to several hundreds of each.
He possessed a kind heart and gentle disposition, with a ready laugh and helping hand. Great patience and attention to detail were his work habits.
His employment included four years for Wm. Lang, laying telephone cable throughout Michigan. In Escanaba, he worked for TransFleet Enterprises as a heavy equipment mechanic.
In addition to his wife Penny, survivors include:
Mother: Shirley Totten of Mt. Pleasant
Brother: Rodney (Lou Ann) Totten of Rosebush, MI
4 sisters: Rohnna (Steve) Bridget of Mt. Pleasant, MI, Rebecca (Jim) Haught of Texas, Robin (Steve) Sargeant of Mt. Pleasant, and Rhea (Chuck) Lewis of Coleman, MI
3 nieces and nine nephews.
His father John and nephew Jacob preceeded him in death.
Richard was a member of St. Joseph/St. Patrick Church in Escanaba.
A private Mass of Christian Burial services will be held at the St. Joseph/St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Eric Olson officiating. Entombment will follow at the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum in Wells Township. You can express your sympathy to the Totten family, or leave a memory tribute about Rick by using the form below. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Totten family.
Anonymous
Penny, we were both very sadden to hear about Rick’s death. Our hearts go out to you at this time, and our prayers are with you. If we can do anything for you please do not hesitate to contact us. Love you.
Judy and Dick Wells and Bonnie Forgette
Gwinn, MI
Mrs. Totten….I’ve thought about your classes often over the years and as it turns out you made a lot more of a difference in my intellectual development than you probably realized at the time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott LaVigne
Escanaba, MI
Mrs. Totten,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless.
Sonia (Anzalone) Maguire & Family
Trenton, MI
Mrs. Totten,
Please accept my deepest condolences regarding Richards passing. I am so sorry for your loss.
Todd Lantagne
Corona, CA
Robin,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy Hawkins
Shepherd, MI
Dear Robin, and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your brother. You are do deeply in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May your special family memories give you peace. Sincerely,
Second Grade Friends, Nancy, Marcia, Linda, and Karen
Karen Butler
Shepherd, MI
Shrirley, Robin and the rest of the Totten family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss.
Kathie Jaloszynski
Mt. Pleasant, MI
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Totten family for the loss of Rick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Genny Shultz and Marcia Pufpaff
Shepherd, MI
Mrs. Penny Totten, I am so sorry for your loss. You are a great friend and a great teacher/mentor. My thoughts are with you at your time of loss. Memories of Richard will get you thru the tough times and remember you always have me if the need arises. Love Renee Sundquist Jenshak
Renee Sundquist Jenshak
Bark River, MI
Penny,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
you are in our thoughts and prayers!!
Lana and Rick Boudreau & family
Perronville, MI
Anonymous
Penny,we were both very sadden to hear about Rick’s death. Our hearts go out to you at this time, and our prayers are with you. If we can do anything for you please do not hesitate to contact us.
Love you.
Judy and Dick Wells and Bonnie Forgette
Gwinn, MI
Mrs. Totten….I’ve thought about your classes often over the years and as it turns out you made a lot more of a difference in my intellectual development than you probably realized at the time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott LaVigne
Escanaba, MI
Mrs. Totten,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless.
Sonia (Anzalone) Maguire & Family
Trenton, MI
Mrs. Totten,
Please accept my deepest condolences regarding Richards passing. I am so sorry for your loss.
Todd Lantagne
Corona, CA
Robin,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy Hawkins
Shepherd, MI
Dear Robin, and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your brother. You are do deeply in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May your special family memories give you peace.
Sincerely,
Second Grade Friends, Nancy, Marcia, Linda, and Karen
Karen Butler
Shepherd, MI
Shrirley, Robin and the rest of the Totten family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss.
Kathie Jaloszynski
Mt. Pleasant, MI
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Totten family for the loss of Rick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Genny Shultz and Marcia Pufpaff
Shepherd, MI
Mrs. Penny Totten, I am so sorry for your loss. You are a great friend and a great teacher/mentor. My thoughts are with you at your time of loss. Memories of Richard will get you thru the tough times and remember you always have me if the need arises. Love Renee Sundquist Jenshak
Renee Sundquist Jenshak
Bark River, MI
Penny,
our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
you are in our thoughts and prayers!!
Lana and Rick Boudreau & family
Perronville, MI