Ishpeming Twp. - Richard J. Fraser, age 70, of 100 S. Daisy St., Ishpeming Twp. passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at his home while in the loving care of his family and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Richard was born August 22, 1946 in Ishpeming to Michael E. "Ted" & Pearl (Argall) Fraser Sr.. He attended Ishpeming High School and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1967 until his honorable discharge in 1969. Rich worked for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company for 30 years he retired as a pump repairman from the Empire Mine in 1996 due to health reasons.

Rich was an avid military historian who enjoyed teaching his grandson Jacob about the history of World War II. He was a member of the Pioneer Kiwanis Club, a union supporter who belonged to the retirees Local 4950 of the Steelworkers Union. Rich enjoyed his coffee time with his friend John Stone and many Saturday's enjoyed a Congress pizza. He served on the Ishpeming Township Election Board and the recreation committee. Rich was instrumental in the building of the baseball field at Ishpeming Twp which the field was dedicated as the Fraser-Yohe Ball field. As hard as it was Rich was an avid Detroit Lions fan as well as a Tigers fan..

Rich is survived by his wife Marsha (VanLuven) Fraser, whom he married on March 20, 1971, 2 children: Richard (Valerie) Fraser and Julie (Mark) Olson, 4 grandchildren Lydia & Darren Fraser, Jacob & Makenna Olson, a brother Michael (Jo Ann) Fraser all of Ishpeming, brothers in law & sisters in law: Elaine Anderson, Fred (Rita Culbert) VanLuven, Mike Alderton, Barry Alderton, Tammy (Mike) Daily, Dean Carlson & Greg LeClair along with numerous nieces and nephews. Rich was preceded in death his parents Ted & Pearl Fraser, in laws Fred & Ella Alderton, a daughter in law Susan Fraser, sisters in law Penny Carlson, Patti Nickerson and Sandy LeClair, a brother in law Steven Anderson and a niece Angie Nickerson.

Rich's family will greet relatives and friends on Friday September 2, 2016 from 10am-12 Noon at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home where funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon with Rev. Michael D. Carriere officiating. A luncheon will be held at the Ishpeming Township Hall following the service.

Military honors will be accorded by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Bay Cliff Health Camp- baycliff.org in memory of Rich Fraser.

Rich's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .