1941 ~ 2024
Richard “Rich” Joseph Hominga, 83, of Traverse City, passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease on July 28, 2024, with family by his side.. Rich was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 15, 1941, to Joseph and Louise Hominga, the youngest of three boys. At age 4, his family moved to Lake Leelanau where he thrived, growing up on the family farm. Once he left high school, Richard joined the service and became a master mechanic for the Army. After his discharge, Richard became a journeyman pipefitter and was a proud member of UA Local 85. A confirmed bachelor, he met his true love, Lorraine, when they were set up on a date through mutual friends. He proposed on the anniversary of their first date. They were married on September 8th, 1984, and he generously embraced Lorraine’s 5 adult children and their families. Together, Rich and Lorraine traveled around the country, embarking on numerous adventures. They loved camping and exploring the west. On a trip to Alaska, they discovered a passion for panning for gold and spent their retirement winters doing just that. Rich was an excellent euchre player and avid reader of science fiction, and never met a cat he didn’t like. He and Lorraine gave a forever home to many cats over the years. Though Rich was a quiet individual, he was a great listener and while his words of wisdom were valued, his family most enjoyed his dry sense of humor. One of his most insightful quotes was, “I never learned anything with my mouth moving.” Rich enjoyed helping others and quietly influenced those around him. Rich is survived by his wife Lorraine (nee Longcore, formerly Hurst) Hominga, his step-children, James and Louann (Reed) Hurst, Nancy (Hurst) and Jim Van Hall, John and Vickie (Mead) Hurst, Joe and Marcy (Sass) Hurst and Amy (Hurst) and Tony Lucero, 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephews Tom Jr., Louis, and Eric Hominga, and their families, and his sister-in-law Bernadette Hominga. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Louise Hominga, and his brothers David Hominga and Tom Homingag Sr. A funeral service will be held on August 17, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10am. The Memorial Service will begin at 11am. Please share your cherished thoughts of Rich with his family at www.Reynolds-Jonkhoff.com
