Richard Joe Avram

Richard Avram, 76, a beloved son, father, grandfather and husband, passed away on Sunday morning, 7 June 2026, at The Villa at West Branch. Born on 31 August 1949, Richard's life was full of a love for family, the outdoors, hard work, and the mastery of wood-turning.

Richard began his life living in Alger, MI, and helping his parents Joe and Lucile on their farm, enjoying hunting and fishing with his dad, and excelling in track at Standish-Sterling High School (Class of 1967). After graduation, he went off to Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, IL, where he met and married Donna Heiniger in 1970. Shortly after they were married, Richard entered Air Force service where he spent over 5 years as a Cryptologic Linguist, spending time in Monterey CA and Fairbanks, Alaska, and growing his family with the births of his daughter, Rebecca, and son, Jason.

Following his time in the Air Force, Richard moved back to Michigan with his family to work for General Motors, where he spent 30 years as a Machine Repair Journeyman, spending time at the Bay City Chevy and Saginaw Steering Gear plants, and settling back onto a piece of property in his hometown of Alger, where he once again was able to help his parents with their farm.

Richard retired from GM in 2007, and turned his attention to one of his true passions -- wood-turning, where he excelled as both a craftsman and artist. He married his current wife Patrica Avram in 2011, and they enjoyed the last 15 years taking care of their property in Alger, traveling and visiting family, and collaborating on artwork.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Lucille Avram, and his and Pattricia's grandson, Austin Sanders. He is survived by his wife Patricia Avram, her children -- Courtney Sanders, Tara Turney, Ryan Sanders, and Erin Sanders, her grandchildren -- Shelby Alonso, Jasmine Rankin, Alyssa Sanders, Ayden Sanders, Autumn Sanders, Alivia Sanders, Elyse Turner, and Grace Turney, his children Rebecca (Avram) Rhinebolt and Jason Avram, his grandchildren -- Melyssa Geever, Devon Yantis, Joe Avram, and Lilly Avram, and his great-grandson Brantley Yantis.

A memorial service to celebrate Richard's life will be held on Saturday, July 25th, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Alger United Methodist Church in Alger, MI, followed by an interment of ashes at the Alger Cemetery at 1:00 pm, with military honors.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI. www.steuernolmclaren.com