Lake Odessa Age 66, passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2011. Richard was born on March 29, 1945 in Hillman, Michigan the son of Clifford and Jeanette (Thomas) Essner. Dick moved to Hastings when he was 9 and graduated from Hastings High School in 1964. He enjoyed drag racing, hunting, his girl "chickens", Mr. P. "the peacock", his dogs, and his loving family. Dick worked as an Electric Distribution Lineman for 38 years, before retiring from Lansing Board Water and Light in 2005. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ada May Essner; brother-in-law, Russell Palmer; son-in-law, Joe Leonard; many aunts and uncles; his dog, Smokey and several other dogs. Surviving are his wife, best friend and perfect companion of 31 years, Patricia Essner; children, Kirk (Karri) Essner, Cindy Essner, Teresa Leonard, Lisa (Steve) Spetoskey; 7 grandchildren, Keegan and Koltin Essner, Bob and Becca Leonard, Stevie, Anthony and Lexie Spetoskey; sister, Gladys Palmer; aunt, Zona Thomas; brother-in-law, Bruce (Diane) Rowe; special friend, Dan Ward; many cousins and friends; dogs, Dude, Tinkerbell and Willy. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 1:00 p.m., at Kilpatrick Church in Woodland, Michigan. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Church. There will be a private burial. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Mackenzie Animal Sanctuary, or the Kilpatrick Church of Woodland. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Homes, Portland