Richard Witham

Richard (Rick) Lee Witham, 73, passed away on August 11, 2026 surrounded by his wife and kids after an 8 year battle with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). He fought with grace and was at peace in his final hours.

He was born on November 26, 1952 in Grand Rapids to Audrey Jean (O’Brien) Witham and Robert Clifford Witham. Rick attended St. Stephen’s for grade school and Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids. His achievements began early, at the age of 14, when he attained the rank of Eagle Scout in May of 1967. His higher education started when he went to General Motors Institute, then to Western Michigan University, where he graduated Cum Laude in 1975 with a Bachelor's of Science in Electrical Engineering and a membership in the Sigma Chi Fraternity. His passion for learning and sharing his skills and knowledge started when he was young and continued to build throughout his life. He was a jack of all trades, working in electrical engineering, sales, business, construction, and as a dependable person in the lives of his school bus riders.

A romantic at heart, Rick met his wife, Kara Louise Braak, during a Cajun dance at Wheatland Dance Camp in 1992. Kara first spotted him across the pavillion, with his face turned toward the sky, laughing as he’s dancing around. Whenever she remembers it she says “that man was at peace.” They were engaged at Wheatland’s Festival in September of 1995, and were married on November 25, 1995, the day before his 43rd birthday. Their wedding decor included petals from roses Rick had been giving her each day of their engagement. Guests participated in a potluck meal, and the couple’s gifts were contributions for women and children in need, and books for Kara’s classroom in Muskegon. The event was selfless, heartfelt, and enriching to all who attended.

Rick was incredibly active in his church, and an impactful leader in Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. He supported social justice initiatives and practiced sustainability in all aspects of life. He enjoyed listening to music, dancing, cooking, perfecting recipies, learning how things worked, and was always motivated to tackle projects as they arose. Whether on the 150 year old log cabin, or as a Scout Leader, he always put in the work. Rick believed it was his duty to let God’s love shine through his actions. He was quick to greet friends and strangers with a genuine smile, and hug or shake of the hand, and was happy to indulge in any conversation while relying on facts to differentiate right vs. wrong, all while keeping in mind the feelings of others. He was an optimistic soul, wise, mindful, and always grateful for the lessons and spiritual gifts that came his way. Rick’s faith in God only grew stronger as he aged, he would regularly talk with his kids about the connection he felt between our subconsious and the holy spirit.

Rick is survived by his wife, Kara; children Jesse, Solana, and Micah Witham; siblings Bob (Annette) Witham, Rebecca (Bill) Spence, Barbara (Joseph) McCargar, Julie (Brad) Boyle, Mary (Mike) Balke, Wendi (Jerry) Moore; brother-in-laws David (Cindy) Braak and Tom (Ficilta) Braak, sister-in-law Susan Portillos; aunt and uncle-in-laws Susan (Hopson) and Bob Oakes, Mary (Braak) and Casey Nash; God-children Dan Witham, John Boyle, Ben Balke, and 24 other nieces and nephews, 36 great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and friends, and chosen family, Charity. Rick was preceded in death by his father and mother, and father-in-law, Larry Edwin Braak, and mother-in-law, Nancy Jayne (Hopson) Braak and tons of aunts and uncles.

We would love to have everyone for a celebration of life for Rick. All events will take place at Lebanon Lutheran Church, 1101 S Mears Ave, Whitehall, MI 49461. August 29, 1:00-3:00pm visitation. August 30, 3:00pm visitation, 4:00pm Service followed by a light meal and sharing stories of Rick and all his escapades. Guests are encouraged to wear everything and anything that makes them feel comfortable and colorful, wear rainbow or anything that’s you, bring a layer for A/C, come with any and all stories to write or, share with us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fruitland Evangelical Covenant Church, 4283 N Weber Rd, Whitehall, MI 49461 or Boy Scouts of America (checks written out to Lebanon Lutheran Church, in memo ‘BSA troop 1048,’ mailed to Lebanon Lutheran Church, 1101 S Mears Ave, Whitehall, MI 49461).