Richard Thomas VanDette

Richard Thomas VanDette, age 84, of Swartz Creek, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. He was born on September 5, 1941, in Houghton Lake, the son of the late Leo and Mary (Belanger) VanDette. Richard was a proud graduate of Houghton Lake High School. Growing up, he enjoyed making and flying model airplanes. If you were ever looking for Richard, you would find him at a lake fishing.

As an adult, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Richard especially enjoyed spending time with his son, Chris, and very good friend Keith Perior at his property in Au Gres. Richard and Kathryn were united in marriage on August 20, 1981, in Swartz Creek and made their home there for many years.

Richard worked locally for many years as a finish carpenter, helping build new homes throughout the area. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, baking, and playing cards at senior centers every chance he got.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn VanDette; sons, James (Jody) VanLanduyt and Chris (Shannon) VanLanduyt; daughter, Jamie (Joseph) Messer; nine grandchildren, Joseph (Bridgette) VanLanduyt, James VanLanduyt III, Alexandria (Tyrone) Pugh, Brittney Huff, Deirdra VanLanduyt, Gabrielle Schmidt, Kallista Messer, Nen Messer, and Morgan Messer; six great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Ester DeGeorge; niece, Jackie (Kevin) Foether; and dear friends, Keith and Mary Perior and John and Shirley Harvey.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Donald VanDette; and brother-in-law, Michael DeGeorge.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the Swartz Creek Senior Center or the Carman-Ainsworth Senior Center. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com