Mr. Richard M. "Dick" Nusbaum, 87, of Union, Michigan, peacefully passed on Friday, November 4, 2022 at his family home with his loving wife Merlene at his side. He was born in Dunlap on May 2, 1935 to the late Melvin and Alma ( Yoder ) Nusbaum, and then married Merlene J. Mishler on January 23, 1970. She remained his sweetheart for 52 years, and she survives at home. Also surviving is their daughter Stephaney (Brendan) LaRue of Bay City, Michigan; grandchildren Nicholas Trepanier of Ohio, Jeremy (Crystal) Trepanier of Bay City and Tyler (Trisha) LaRue of Gladwin, Michigan, great grandchildren, Makayla, Jadin, Kennedy, Colson, Mason, Carter and Axel; great great granddaughter, Remington, and a loving host of extended family, thoughtful neighbors and good friends.

Dick was a heavy equipment operator who worked with more than several area contractors over a span of 40 plus years until health issues required his retirement. He was a competent and talented operator and was affiliated with the IUOE (International Union of Operating Engineers) Local 105 in South Bend.

But for as skilled as he was on the job site, he was equally adept with a shotgun or fishing pole in hand. He was an avid hunter and hunted several different species over the season. Whether in a tree stand, a blind or hunting with his dogs, Dick appreciated the time outdoors and "peace" of mind that a good hunt would provide. Additionally, Baldwin Lake was practically his back yard, so he also appreciated spending time in his boat throwing worms into the lake one at a time with a hook.  Actually, Dick was a pretty good fisherman and used just about any excuse to get out there in the boat and cast a few times. It was rumored that he could just about tell you the location of all of the honey holes around Baldwin Lake for a favor!

Naturally, Dick loved to spend time with his lovely wife and daughter, and, eventually, his beautiful grandchildren, who meant the world to him. He was a prolific reader, and his eclectic tastes afforded him a wide variety of books to read on all types of topics. He was also a huge NASCAR and Indy car racing fan

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart are assisting the family with Dick's cremation and his return home. Friends and family wishing to make a donation in Dick's memory may do so by donating to the organization of one's choice. Additionally, please be sure to thoroughly browse Dick's obit page, as you are able to leave condolences and memories, post photographs on his memory wall, and order other funerary items in regard to the family.

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