Richard Dale Estell

Richard “Dick” Estell was born on April 11, 1926 in Hillsdale, the son of the late Dale and Agnes (Herzog) Estell, and peacefully went to be with the Lord on May 6, 2016 at the age of 90. Dick attended Hillsdale High School and graduated in the Class of 1943. Following high school, he attended Hillsdale College and he went on to earn his Bachelor and Master Degrees from Michigan State University. In 1944 he proudly served his country in the Army Air Corp. and was a WWII Veteran. Dick was best known as the Radio Reader with an estimated 1.5 million listeners, worldwide. He was the Manager at WKAR Radio and established the Radio Reading Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. He was also a Founding Board member of National Public Radio as well as the Chairman of the Board. He was also well known as the Public Address Announcer for ALL MSU Men’s Athletic events. In his free time, Dick enjoyed golfing with his lifelong friends and spending time with his many grandchildren. In June of 2002, Dick married his loving wife, Sheryl Anne (House) Estell. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Michael Scott Estell II. Surviving to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Sheryl; sister, Patricia (Estell) Playford; sons, Scott (Joann) Estell, Cory (Wendy) Larner, Joe (Katie) Larner, Jason (Karie) Larner; and his many adoring grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI with the Rev. Drew Filkins officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May10th, from 2-4 pm and 6-8pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. For those desiring, contributions may be made in memory of Dick to the Radio Reading Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at http://tinyurl.com/zs3sr6f. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.