Richard J. Bongard, age 74 of Jehnsen Lake, went to Cowboy Heaven on Thursday, July 16, 2009. He passed away at his home after losing a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Dick was born July 13, 1935 in Barryton to John and Evelyn (VanSyckle) Bongard. He graduated from Barryton High School and then entered the United States Army. Dick served during the Korean War; he was stationed in Alaska where he was assigned to the Military Police. Following the service Dick worked as a heavy equipment operator. He later owned and operated the Seahawk Lounge in Mecosta for many years and most recently was employed for the Chippewa Hills School district as a bus mechanic until his retirement. Dick was very active when it came to horses; he raised, rode and cared for them most of his life. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 1/2 years, Darlene; 2 sons, Russell (Peggy) Bongard of Riverdale, Richard (Kim) Bongard of Barryton; 3 Step-children, Chad (Renae) Johansen of Jehnsen Lake, Clay Johansen of Paris, Kim (Darin) Wilber of Rodney; 8 grandchildren, Orion, B.J., Alex, Keegan, Olivia, Philip, Kurt, Eric; 1 brother, William Bongard of Barryton; his mother-in-law, Myrna Nellis a resident in Altercare of Big Rapids and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Dick was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Carroll Jenkins and Betty Jo Corwin. Cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial service 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22nd at the Chippewa Lake Community Church with Pastor Stephen Scott officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions in Dick's name be given to the Chippewa Lake Community Center, the Chippewa Lake Community Church or the Mecosta County Senior Center.