Richard Kellogg

BELLAIRE — Richard Louis Kellogg, of Bellaire and formerly of Traverse City, died March 4, 2011, at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire.He was born Jan. 4, 1926, in Berkley, to Clarence and Eleanor (DuMinke) Kellogg.Serving in World War II in the Eighth Air Force, he achieved the rank of sergeant.Richard married Barbara Jean Metro in 1949. Their happy marriage lasted 42 years, until the death of Barbara in 1991. Their union produced two surviving sons, Mark Kellogg, of Traverse City, and Kurt Kellogg, of Portland, Ore.Richard worked at General Motors Corp. (Pontiac Division) from 1952-68, as a design engineer in the body and instrument panel departments. He invented a number of innovative concepts that were incorporated into American cars.After retiring from General Motors, he was the owner of Sportsman's Bar in Kearsarge from 1968-73. Later in life, he became the bestselling author of the novel, "Wall of Silver."Richard was a long-time member of the Elks Lodges in Pontiac and Traverse City. He was an avid fisherman, archer, golfer, and collector of many things. He participated in two Michigan Open Golf Tournaments in the 1950s.Richard lovingly passed along his own interests and hobbies to his sons. Through subtle example, he also imparted onto his sons the importance of free thought and creativity. His original sense of humor will be greatly missed.Richard is survived by his loyal and loving life partner, Valerie Witkowski, of Bellaire. Also surviving, in addition to his sons, are his brothers, Robert Kellogg, of Linden, Charles Kellogg, of Royal Oak; and sister, Jean Frincke, of Southfield. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Doris Miller; and brother, Dan Kellogg.Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The Rev. Crystal Yarlott will officiate. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in the springtime, with military rites provided by Cherryland VFW Post 2780.Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Mental Health or Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility.Please share your memories of Richard with his family at his online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.