Clinton Richard Tooley Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Clinton Richard “Dick” Tooley, 91, of Traverse City, Michigan went home to Jesus on Monday, April 5, 2021. Dick was born on March 2, 1930 in Northport, son of the late Norman and Hazel (Willet) Tooley. He was proud to be named after his uncle Clinton Woolsey, a WW1 ace pilot. Dick would never fail to point out Woolsey Airport, in Northport and regale his family with the story of his uncle’s heroics. On July 19, 1957, he married the love of his life, Irma Zaida Richart. Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1948 to 1976. When asked about his military career his thoughts often went back to the first plane he ever rode in, a B-36 Peacemaker, in which he logged over 800 hours. Dick served during two wars and reached the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Although Dick had graduated from South High School in Grand Rapids, his love of Traverse City and the Leelanau peninsula brought him home upon retirement from the Air Force. When he was 50 years old, Dick reinvented himself by returning to school and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Central Michigan University with a major in History/Political Science. He was a substitute teacher at TC Central and TC West High School for over 15 years. Even though just as many years have passed since retiring from teaching, many still remember Dick and have shared with family members how much he influenced them in school. Dick’s faith and love of God was at the center of who he was and influenced the kind of son, brother, husband, father and teacher he became. For over 40 years he was a faithful member of The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City. There he served as an elder, adult Sunday school teacher, and for over 25 years as the communion coordinator. He was a fixture as the lead abbot at the annual Madrigal dinner and was dedicated to Bible study. His deep faith led him and Irma to assist in planting Northern Lakes Community Church on the west side of town and he continued to take an interest in their growth and ministry even into his last year with us. He was a life-time member of the Lake Ann Lions Club because he truly believed the club's mission and efforts to serve the community and encourage peace and international understanding. Dick loved music, especially of the Big Band era. Though he was not an athlete, Dick loved the Tigers no matter how badly they played. He had a sly sense of humor and never failed to elicit groans for his dad puns. He loved life and taught his kids there really is no such thing as boredom when you have a book to read. And he sure loved to read and spend time browsing his 10,000 plus books. Dick has left behind Irma, his loving wife of 63 years, and his children: Yvonne Zaida (Greg) Taylor, Richard Norman (Anne) Tooley, Tracy Ann Tooley, Michael David Tooley and Swiss exchange daughter, Claudia (Martin) Moor-Zgaggen. Also surviving are: sister, Patricia (C. Lee) Filker and grandchildren: Isaac Bruce Taylor, Aaron James Taylor, Danielle Zaida Taylor, Trevor Richard Tooley, Nicholas Andrew Tooley, Ryan Chang Tooley, Nicole Mei Tooley, Joel Moor-Zgraggen and Noemi Moor-Zgraggen. A funeral service honoring Dick will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the Presbyterian Church 701 Westminster Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49686. The Rev. Dr. William Myers and Rev. Dr. Sam Jun will co-officiate. Burial will be in Leelanau Township Cemetery in Northport. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the Cherryland V.F.W. post 2780. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, 701 Westminster Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686, Northern Lakes Community Church, 5444 Herkner Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685 or Lake Ann Lions Club, P.O. Box 313 Lake Ann, MI 49650. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Dick’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Clinton Richard Tooley

March 2, 1930 - April 5, 2021