Richard E. Kailing passed away on April 16, 2025.

Born in Big Rapids, Michigan on July 3, 1938; Richard was the son of Mary Cecelia Kailing. He joined the Army National Guard and honorably served from 1958 to 1962. He was a proud Machinist in the Tool and Die trade. He married the love of his life Lucy Switzer who then passed in 2005. They raised their family in Marne, Michigan. Following retirement, Richard started his own machine shop in his garage that his sons Tom and Tony still operate today. He also built his sugar shack to make maple syrup and sold it to the surrounding community until he was 80 years old. Richard found love again with Carol Wells Scheid, and they married in 2006.

Richard throughout his life enjoyed hunting, growing and tending to his vegetable garden, and playing cards. He loved to square dance and was quite the jokester.

Richard is survived by his wife Carol Wells Scheid; three children Terry (Janet) Kailing of Grand Rapids; Anthony (Connie) Kailing of Marne; Thomas (Sharon) Kailing of Marne; six stepchildren, Karen (Don) Ottobre; Patricia Esper; Kathryn (Norman) Rosinski; David (Jackie Holmes) Scheid; Diane Montague; Jerilyn (Brent) Taylor; five grandchildren; eleven step grandchildren; twelve step great grandchildren; two sisters, Maryrose Thebo and Sharon (Jeff) Toogood, and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his infant granddaughter Teresa Lee; wife Lucy Switzer; Infant siblings, Carolyne, Larry, and Karen Fetterley; Brother James Fetterley; Parents Wilbur and Mary.

Mass of the Resurrection will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids, where he was a member. The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2025, with Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids and one hour prior to Mass at the Church on April 22, 2025. Richard will be laid to rest at Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Richard's name to St. Mary – St. Paul Catholic Church.

Care and arrangements have been entrusted to Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes of Big Rapids, Michigan.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.daggettfuneral.com