Richard Redifer
Richard “Dick” Redifer
Richard “Dick” Redifer passed away peacefully in his home on September 27, 2025, at the age of 92, surrounded by his loving family. A man of remarkable character and boundless energy, Dick lived a life defined by service, ingenuity, and a deep, abiding faith.
Born in the territory of Hawaii in 1933, Dick’s early life was marked by travel with his parents, who were career military. This instilled in him a love for exploration and a deep sense of patriotism that would define his life. After graduating from Kingston High School—where he was part of a six-boy class that went on to win the Class D high school state basketball championship—Dick attended Central Michigan University. Remarkably, he earned a spot on both the college football and wrestling teams, despite never having played either sport before.
A proud veteran, Dick served in the United States Navy, joining in the middle of his college enrollment. He completed flight school in Pensacola, Florida, where he earned his wings and mastered carrier landings. Though he couldn’t continue flying as a pilot, he never lost his love of aviation. He vicariously nurtured this passion by regularly attending airshows and as an active member of the Korean War Veterans.
After graduating, Dick dedicated 37 years to the Hemlock School District. He was a beloved figure who held many roles, including principal, teacher, athletic director, bus driver, coach, and drivers’ training instructor. He was known for his quick thinking and willingness to act, as evidenced by a time he used a road atlas to splint a broken leg at the scene of a car accident he drove upon, or when he pounded on the doors of a burning house to alert its residents while driving by.
Upon retiring, Dick embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, operating a fire retardant company and building rustic furniture. His curiosity and zest for new challenges were evident in his many pursuits. At the age of 61, he took up the violin and went on to play in his church orchestra until he was in his mid-80s, sharing his love for music with others. This was a testament to his deeply religious nature, heavily influenced by his mother’s faith. A long-time member of the Freeland Methodist Church, he often attended other denominations just to stay connected with his Savior.
An amateur archaeologist, Dick enjoyed hunting and had a deep respect for the history of the American Indians in Michigan. His mother taught him to hunt with his father overseas during WWII, and he received his first hunting license in 1944. Dick continued his passion for hunting for over six decades, taking his last buck in November 2024. He also loved fishing, art, and gardening. Known for always lending a hand and his willingness to tackle any challenge, he could be counted on to help whenever he was called upon.
Dick is survived by his wife, Patricia (Schnepf) Redifer; his children Elizabeth Redifer, Daniel (Kristi) Redifer, and Timothy Redifer; his stepchildren Mark (Suzanne) Birnbaum, Steve Birnbaum, and Beth Ann (Birnbaum) (Dave) Blank. He was preceded in death by his children Matt Redifer and Connie (Birnbaum) Woodruff. He will also be missed by twelve grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., (between Shattuck and McCarty). Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Navy and American Legion Post #439. Pastor Weldon Townsend will officiate. Friends may visit at the funeral home where the family will be present on Wednesday from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Private inurnment will take place in Great Lakes National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the American Diabetes Association or Alzheimer’s Association.