Harold Richard Unger

Harold Richard “Dick” Unger, 94, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on February 13, 2026, surrounded by his family at the Clark Retirement Community. He was an eternal optimist, and his glass was always half-full. He was a proud father, happy husband, joyous grandfather, and great grandfather.

Dick was born on September 26, 1931, in Polo, Illinois, the son of Harold Strickler Unger and Bessie Fama Unger (Donaldson). He was married three times. He married his first wife, Marilyn Unger (Bruce), in Polo, Illinois, in July 1952. She preceded him in death in December 1954. He married his second wife, Margaret Ann Unger (Wilson), in Midland, Michigan, in August 1956. She preceded him in death in February 2006. He married his current wife, Jeanette Louise (Byam) (Carter) Unger, in December 2006, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Dick, the youngest of four boys, grew up on a farm outside Polo, IL. He attended a one room schoolhouse, was a member of the 4-H club, and planned on becoming a farmer with his father, until fate intervened at the onset of the Korean War. Dick served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during which time he married his first wife, Marilyn. Upon the death of Marilyn, and an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force, he moved to Michigan to live closer to his new fiancé, Margaret. Dick attended Central Michigan University and decided to become a schoolteacher. He taught science for 32 years initially in Vassar, Michigan, and then later in Essexville, Michigan, where he spent the majority of his teaching career.

He took great joy and received his life energy from helping others. His generosity knew no bounds, and he supported anyone around him without a second thought. For those who knew him, his John Deere tractor was always present in his day-to-day life. Dick’s tractor was the physical embodiment of his character and generosity towards others. He replaced his tractor with a mobile scooter at Clark in his later years. He was always willing to lend an ear or strike up a lively conversation to learn the stories of others. He lived with a full heart and happy smile throughout every day of his long life.

Dick is survived by his wife; Jean; his children, Valerie (Jeff) Kay Dahlberg, Margaret Relynn (Philip) Olivero and James Stewart Unger; Jean’s children: Lisa (Terry) Metzner, Laurie Elliott, Amy Rieske, Betsy Rogers and his four grandchildren; Nic (Katie) Dahlberg, Lindsey (Bin) Olivero -Gong, Matthew (Amanda) Olivero, and Nathan Olivero; as well as his three great grandchildren; Leo Gong, Oli Gong, and Henry Olivero.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers Robert, Charlie, and Donald Unger.

There is no visitation planned. A memorial service will be held at the Clark Retirement Community Chapel on April 4, 2026, at 2pm, with a reception following immediately afterwards. Cremains will be interred at the Fairmont Cemetery in Polo, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Clark Foundation, Emmanuel Hospice of Grand Rapids, and Lake Ann Lions Club.