Richard "Rich" A. Shive

Richard "Rich" Shive, 61, of Battle Creek, passed away on June 22, 2023 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.

He was born on July 28, 1961 to Richard and Anna (Gauss) Shive in Battle Creek. Michigan.

Rich graduated from Gull Lake High School in 1979 and continued his education at Kellogg Community College earning his associate degree in the RMTC Program.

On April 21, 1996 he married Shelley Jo Cotter in Battle Creek. Sadly, she passed away on September 14, 2021.

One of his first jobs was helping on a dairy farm in Augusta and at Gull Lake Pizza Parlor on the bay. He worked full time as a first responder for Ross Township for many years. Rich finished his working career as an Associate Warehouse Manager with TLC in Oshtemo, medically retiring in 2014.

Rich was a long-time member and elder of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, he helped with many church activities as well. He loved fishing, hunting, shooting and watching TV westerns. He looked like and thoroughly enjoyed playing Santa, this brought him great joy, to bring smiles to children's faces. He enjoyed traveling to Bristol, TN and Charlotte, NC to attend NASCAR races, watching the K-Wings as he was a season ticket holder. He will be missed for his great sense of humor and making people laugh.

Rich is survived by his mother; Anna Shive, his children; Rick Shive, Grant (Brittany) Shive, Audrey Shive, Adrian (Richard) McNees, Marc (Lisa) Cotter, Mike (Michelle) Cotter and Dana (Wayne) Thomas; his 31 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; his siblings, Cathy (Craig) Seppa, Cindi (Chucky) Handyside; his nephews, Jonathan  Jones, Tyler Shepard, Caleb Handyside, Charlie (Tonya) Handyside and his uncle, Hugh (Maxine) Gauss. He is also survived by many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Richard D. Shive.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, Michigan 49015.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 349 Capital Ave, NE Battle Creek, Michigan, 49017 with Pastor Larry Gorlitz officiating. Burial will follow at Day Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church (349 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017) or Bronson Cancer Center (805 John St. Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001).

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.