Richard A. “Rich” Whitting

Frankenmuth, MI

Rich passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday August 23, 2026 at Wellspring Lutheran Home at79 years old. Richard Whitting was born on October 28, 1946 in Saginaw, MI to the late Alvin and Dorothy Whitting. Richard honorably served in the U.S. Army. He married Debra Wade on July 5, 1980. She survives him. They were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Saginaw, MI. Richard was employed by GM Saginaw Steering Gear, Plant 2 until his retirement. He was a member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.

Richard was fortunate to retire at a relatively early age which allowed him time for his many interests and hobbies. He loved to work with his hands, refinishing antique furniture and woodworking. Using those talents, he turned his family’s home into a unique work of art. Rich was always available and willing to help his friends and family with their home and repair projects as well. His patience and craftmanship was unmatched and evident in his work.

Rich had a love for golf. After retirement he worked as a golf ranger at The Timbers Golf Course. He was a member of multiple courses and golfed in multiple leagues. Rich was able to golf at many out of state courses and attended The Masters. He formed many lasting friendships through the sport.

He grew up in an era of building up cars and drag racing. Love of vehicles followed him throughout his life. Rich had many vehicles through the years but has kept one classic for 50 years which he drove when he met Debbie. Along with that, he has his “hot rod” which he enjoyed taking to various car shows and to the golf course. Even in his late days he could tell you the make, model, engine and details of any old car at a glance. Rich had his group of car buddies who also shared his passion. When they got together, oh the stories they would tell!

Richard was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. He made many memories with his sons, brothers, nephews, and friends through these activities. He spent many of his wife’s birthdays in the woods for deer season (with permission, of course)!

Above all, he loved his family. Rich was very close with his sister, brothers, and extended family. Most of all he loved his wife, his sons, and his grandchildren, Cameron and Amaya, who brightened his days. He was always family first.

For Rich it was never about the golf score, how many fish he caught, the size of the buck, or how fast the car was. It was about the experiences and the people he shared them with. Rich’s positive, always happy, loving personality will be missed by everyone who he touched.

Surviving besides his wife Debbie are his two sons, Aaron Whitting of Bad Axe, MI and Todd Whitting of Grand Blanc, MI. He had two grandchildren, Cameron Whitting and Amaya Whitting. He is also survived by his sister Janet Drews and brothers Ray Whitting and Bob Whitting along with many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Mass will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 958 E. Tuscola St. Frankenmuth, MI. Fr. Patrick Jankowiak will officiate. Rich’s family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. Frankenmuth, on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Visitation will also be at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Alzheimer’s Association or Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Wellspring Lutheran Services for their compassionate care of Rich during his final days.