Clinton Township, MI- Richard W. Pietila, age 60, passed away on April 21, 2016 at his home in Clinton Township, MI.

Richard was born November 21, 1955 in Royal Oak, MI, the son of the late Richard and Verna (Moilanen) Pietila. He grew up in Madison Heights, MI and North Carolina, before moving to West Ishpeming, MI in September 1966. He was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, class of 1973. Richard attended Northern Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech/Broadcasting. While attending Northern he worked at The Peninsula Bank and at the radio station WUUN (Stereo 100). He then attended The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) where he earned a Master's degree in Communications. While at the University of Michigan, he worked as a teaching assistant. From 1991 to the time of his death, Richard worked as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Walsh College. He taught business communications courses where he helped students improve their written communication and public speaking skills.

Richard was passionate about his career as an educator, but when he had a vacation he enjoyed trips to the Upper Peninsula or to Missouri to visit his family. He enjoyed fishing, camping and playing blackjack. He also loved music (all genres) and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan.

Survivors include his sister, Carol Brangar of Ishpeming, a half-brother - Gordon (Karen) Lehtola of Moscow Mills, MO, a half-sister - Sheila (Michael) Sihtala of Ishpeming, a niece - Bridget (Brangar) Seelen of Ishpeming, nephews - Kevin (Tricia) Brangar, Jesse and Kyle Sihtala all of Ishpeming and Bradley (Jen) Koski of Ypsilanti, MI, great nieces - Katie, Alexa and Abigail, great nephew - Wil along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his father - Richard Walter Pietila (1960), his mother and step-father - Verna and Gordon Lehtola, a sister - Sandra Koski, a brother - Ronald Pietila, a niece - Kristi Brangar and brothers-in-law - William Brangar and John W. Koski.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:30 am until the time of the memorial service at 12:30 pm on Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home. Pastor Lauri O. Maki from Bethel Lutheran Church will officiate.

Richards obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

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