Richard "Dick" Allen Hoffstedt

Dick was born in Oak Park, Il on August 21, 1934 to Swedish immigrants, Peter and Anna (Swanson) Hoffstedt. He married Shirley (Fornell) on April 30, 1955. They met at a music studio while taking accordion lessons. They were nine and ten years old.

Dick spent two years at the University of Illinois at Navy Pier in Chicago before entering the U.S. Army in 1954. He was able to finish his schooling on the G.I. Bill and graduated from Chicago Technical College in 1959. Dick spent his lifetime career in the Tool & Die industry, starting at age 14 doing various jobs in his dad’s shop. His focus was as a Tool & Die Designer and also as a teacher of Tool & Die apprentices through the Tool & Die Institute in Illinois and community colleges in Michigan.

Dick held many interests. He enjoyed travel, books, music, theater, art and writing. He was once a Grand Haven Tribune community writer and wrote articles for Senior Perspectives. He loved the outdoors whether paddling his kayak or riding his bike. Dick was also an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. But his main true love and joy was his family.

Dick was a Unitarian/Humanist by faith and had belonged to Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Muskegon and All Souls Community Church in Grand Rapids.

Dick is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters, Cathie (Dennis) Benoit, Caryn Hoffstedt (Daniel Albo), Carol and Chersten; son, Peter; five grandchildren, Justin (Eriko) Benoit, Alex (Jessica) Benoit, Caleb Albo, Harper Albo (Matt Peirce) and Isak Albo; five great grandchildren, Rinoa, Zack, Grayson, Lucia, and Bella; sister, Carol Franssens; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Richard Sven; parents, Peter and Anna Hoffstedt; and close relatives and friends.

Cremation has taken place through the service of Neptune Society.

Memorials donations in honor of Dick's can be made to Trinity Health at Home-Hospice - Grand Haven.

A Celebration of Life will be held on at 1:30 PM on Sunday, July 5th at The Village at the Pines, 1450 S Ferry St, Grand Haven, MI 49417.