FIFE LAKE — Richard Lee Kroupa , 61, passed away Monday, Nov. 21, 2011, surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Fife Lake.Richard was born on Jan. 29, 1950, to the late Frederick and Dorothy (Belleville) Kroupa in Traverse City. Rich had a happy childhood growing up on the family farm on Old Mission Peninsula. He was a graduate of Traverse City Central High School in 1968. Rich served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1969 to 1975. In 1992 Rich entered into marriage with the former Karol Hutchinson, a true soulmate and the love of his life. The two were wed outdoors under a rose adorned trellis hand built by Rich at the site of their future home in Fife Lake. They settled on that beautiful acreage in Fife Lake, where they worked hand in hand to build a lovely home and large shop, which was their favorite place to entertain many friends and family over the years.Rich was a faithful and hard worker, employed for 38 years with Jacklin Steel, formerly known as Purvis brothers. After his early retirement, Rich, enjoyed sharing his metal creating talents with family and friends as they requested special projects. Rich's generosity was so evident in all areas of his life. Rich always delighted in sharing the bountiful garden and peaches from their trees with everyone. He was known as an awesome cook and for his scrumptious peach pies, which he always gave away. He also generously shared the best smoked fish and jerky. Rich built Karol a very special and unique garden shed among the incredible flower gardens they grew. He did so many special things for so many folks; Rich will be sadly missed by all.Richard is survived by his loving wife and friend, Karol; his son, Jeremy Hutchinson, of Manistee; his sister, Karen Wood, of Live Oak, Fla.; one brother, Michael Kroupa, of Cedar; sister-in-law, Kathy Kroupa, of Old Mission; his in-laws, Robert and Janice Hilliard, of Onekama; many other uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews; and several other loving family members and friends.Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Kroupa; brother-in-law, Frances Wood; and his father-in-law, Larry Hutchinson.Visitation for friends and family will be held from 3 until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at the Mt. Zion Family Worship Center, with the Rev. Michael Wermuth officiating.Memorial contributions may be directed to the Chronic Disease Fund, 6900 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200 Plano, TX 75024.Please share thoughts with the family at Rich's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.