Richard Gerard Lawrence

Richard Gerard Lawrence, age 72, passed away at his home on June 1, 2025. He is now reunited with the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Margo. Rick was the oldest of eight children born to Richard & Mary Jean (Kitchen) Lawrence.

Growing up in Grand Rapids, Rick attended Creston High School where he met his future bride, Margo. The happy couple were united in marriage on October 28th, 1972. They were married for 50 years.

A talented chef, Rick supported his family working for the Amway Grand Hotel. For several years, he and Margo even worked together, he was the culinary expert, and she was a banquet server. Rick would spend the last part of his working career as a meat cutter at Meijer.

Cooking would be a hobby that followed Rick through his whole life. He enjoyed planning the menu for every family event and holiday. Everyone’s mouths started watering in anticipation of his delicious recipes, especially when prime rib with all the fixings was being served.

A diehard sports fan, Rick loved his Detroit teams, especially the Tigers. He also cheered on all the teams from U of M. When his children were younger, trips to Detroit or Ann Arbor were always a fun treat.

Traveling was one of Rick’s passions. Rick and Margo’s travel adventures frequently included their grandchildren. Some of their favorite destinations included Hawaii, Colorado, spring breaks in Alabama and anywhere with Civil War battlefields. He loved studying the history of the war through the live reenactments.

Rick also liked nice cars, his favorite being his red 2009 Mustang that he has loving bequeathed to his only granddaughter, Lauren.

Family was Rick’s passion. He was a devoted husband, loving father and caring papa. He was his family’s biggest cheerleader and delighted in being active in his grandchildren’s lives. His welcoming smile, warm hugs and delicious food will be missed.

Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Margo in 2023, his son Eric in 2007, his parents Richard Lawrence & Mary Jean (Brandon) Frierson, his sister Cheryl Jousma, his brother Phillip Lawrence, his brothers-in-law Andrew Fry and Larry Jackson.

Rick is survived by his daughter Dana (Sam) Dykstra, his grandchildren: Lauren Dykstra, Dominic Dykstra and Cameron Dykstra; siblings: Mike (Darlene) Lawrence, Dennis (partner Tina) Lawrence, John Lawrence, Gina (Kevin) Chappa and Joe (Holly) Lawrence; his brother-in-law Mike Jousma, and his sisters-in-law Patricia Bodbyl and Nancy Fry as well as many other relatives.

Visitation for Rick will be held on Sunday June 8, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where a memorial service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m.