Richard Lee Aper

Born March 23rd, 1940, in Monroe, MI, and one of seven children born to John and Mary (Gorowski) Aper, Richard was raised in Perkins, Michigan, where his family ran a dairy farm, strawberry/bean farm, selling produce to the canning factory in Gladstone. As a youth, he learned the value of hard work and responsibility, and balanced the farm schedule with grade school studies. In typical Aper fashion, he also managed to find time to have fun, such as racing his childhood horse, Nicodemus, or riding ice flows down the Tacoosh River. He graduated from Perkins High School in 1958. During his school years, he played on the basketball team and first met the girl who would become his future wife, Dolores Simonsen. After high school, Richard served in the US Army. Upon honorable discharge, he returned to the area and began dating Dolores. Both enrolled at Northern Michigan University and graduated together with Bachelors Degrees in 1965. On July 24th, 1965, Richard and Dolores were united in marriage at Faith Lutheran Church in Rock, MI. The couple made their first home in Saginaw where Dolores began her teaching career and Richard began employment with Ford Motor Credit Company. In May of 1966, Richard was accepted into the Michigan State Police, beginning a career that would span over 27 years. Richard was assigned to the New Buffalo, Lansing, St. Ignace, and Negaunee Posts. His duties included working in the Lansing Lab, Training Academy Temp. Staff, Capital Post Detail, Traffic Services, and the Detective Bureau. He also worked as a PT Instructor at the NMU Regional Police Academy.

In 1975, Richard and Dolores settled in Negaunee Township, building their current home. Richard retired from the Michigan State Police in 1993. He then pursued seasonal law-enforcement work for the National Park Service, working in Glacier National Park, MT, Kenai National Park, AK, and Big Cypress National Preserve, FL. Upon full retirement, Richard and Dolores spent winters in Florida with many friends. In his leisure time, Richard enjoyed spending time with family and friends, no matter the location. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed all that nature had to offer, hunting and fishing.

Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dolores; his children, Rick Aper of Rock, MI, Rhonda (Chris) Sellner of Swisher, IA and Ryan (Rebecca) Aper of Levering, MI; his grandchildren, Payton, Camille, Colin, Kyle and Carson; brothers, Bob (Brenda) Aper, Tom (Karen) Aper and Gary (Ginger) Aper all of Perkins, MI and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Aper, and brothers, Bill and James Aper.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date this summer.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.