All Obituaries

Richard Leo Near age 85 of Falmouth passed away on December 9, 2023 at Quiet Creek Assisted Living in Falmouth. Richard was born in Detroit 0n May 17, 1938 to Raymond and Phyllis (Doll) Near. Within a few years following Richard’s birth, Raymond and Phyllis moved their young family from Detroit to Southfield, Michigan.

Richard owned his own landscaping business before going into construction as an operating engineer. Before retiring in 2000 he worked as a head driller for an environmental firm. Richard met Jessica Nancy Elledge in 1976; they dated for 18 before they married on April 22, 1994, while on a snowmobile trip in Iceland. They moved their residence to Falmouth in 2001.

Richard had four children from a previous marriage and after his retirement he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and four-wheeling with Jessica, his family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening and breadmaking.

Richard is survived by his wife Jessica Elledge, of Falmouth, as well as his four children: Richard Jr. (Sue) Near of Howell and their children, Richard III, Luke (deceased), Rachael and great grandchildren, Matthew and Maddox; Robert Near (deceased) and his wife, Theresa of Roseville and her daughter Jessica; Deborah (Ron) Eagle of Brighton and their children, Joshua, Jacob, and John Eagle; Matthew and his wife Crystal (both deceased) and their children, Mattilyn and Morgan. Richard is also survived by four siblings: Alice Schmitter of South Lyon; Carol Behan (deceased); Geri Near RSM of Farmington Hills; and Robert (Karen) Near of Howell, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date; donations in Richard’s memory may be made anytime to Hospice of Michigan or to the Missaukee Humane Society. The Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain is handling funeral arrangements and thoughts and prayers may be left at: www.burkholderfunerals.com.