TRAVERSE CITY — Richard Allen "Dick" Alpers, 65, of Buckley, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 24, 2011, at St. Mary's of Michigan hospital in Saginaw. Dick was born on Nov. 9, 1945, in Traverse City, to Carl E. and Charlotte Alpers. Between 1963 and 1968 Dick proudly served his country in Vietnam while enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was a lifetime member and served as Post Commander in 1992 to '93 for the VFW Cherryland Post 2780. In 1990 Dick was inducted into the Michigan Softball Hall of Fame, and he truly enjoyed supporting any activity or organization that asked for his assistance. Dick loved woodworking, including making toys for everyone he knew, as well as making wooden toys for the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program. He could also be found spending his time fishing.Surviving are his three children, Richard A. (Theresa) Alpers, of Grawn, Shawn C. (Tricia) Alpers, of Indianapolis, Ind., and Michael J. (Greta) Weidenhamer, of Vonore, Tenn.; four brothers and sisters, Bonnie (Bob) Anderson, Cindy Alpers, Bill (Jeanne) Alpers and Mari (Loren) Gallivan; six grandchildren, Bryce, Bryee, Justin, Cody, Brianna and Michael. Dick also had two very special lifetime friends in Beth Alpers and Dewey Hiler.He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Lamon in October of 2010; and his parents, Carl and Charlotte Alpers. Military memorial services will be held at noon on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial gifts may be directed to the VFW Cherryland Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684; the U.S.M.C. NW Michigan Toys for Tots, 147 East 10th Street, Traverse City, MI 49684; or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.The family wishes to express special thanks to the caring staff at St. Mary's hospital in Saginaw. Please share thought's with the family at Dick's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.