Richard M. Biteman

Richard M. Biteman, 95 of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus, his Savior, on June 23, 2024. 

Richard was born June 29, 1928, to George and Alice (Isham) Biteman in Sherwood, Michigan. Richard managed the A & P store in Union City, during which time he met and married Marjorie Funk on June 6, 1948. They were married for 74-plus years. Together, they loved and served God as they raised their family in Burlington, Michigan. They relocated to Battle Creek in 1980. Richard was active in the churches he attended, whether in Burlington, Battle Creek or Lake Wales, Florida. He enjoyed singing and was in charge of music at the Burlington Church of God and participated in choir and musical productions at the South Lake Wales Church of God. 

He was a quiet, considerate, kind, and honest man with a great work ethic. He worked for the W.K. Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, specializing in packaging machine repair. Richard retired after 35 years in 1989, by then a ten-year member of the Kellogg 25 Year Club. After retirement, Richard and Marjorie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and wintering in Lake Wales, Florida. He also enjoyed camping with Marjorie, gardening and raising raspberries, which he loved sharing with others.

Richard is survived by his children Dennis Biteman and Beverly (George) Mercer; grandchildren Adam (Susanne) Biteman and Bo (Mercedes) Biteman; great-grandchildren Steven, Henry, Alyssa, and Holly; sisters Georgeanna Clark, Frances Cross, and Patricia (David) Kaniewski; brother Dan (Martha) Biteman; brother-in-law Harold (Mary) Funk; sister-in-law Rose Marie Funk; special friends Carol and Patrick; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; grandson Derek Biteman; brother Byron Biteman; and his parents. 

Visitation will take place Friday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m. at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Burlington Township Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Richard’s memory to Centrica Care Navigators at 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.