Richard Edward Totten, age 62, of Escanaba died on Wednesday February 10, 2010 at his residence in Escanaba.
 
Rick was born on June 3, 1947 in Big Rapids, MI the son of Johnie and Shirley (Lewis) Totten.  He moved to Escanaba and married Penelope Rae Pieropon on January 24, 1970 in Spalding, Michigan , at St. Francis Xavier Church. 
 
Constant Companions, they traveled to several national and international drag races in the U.S. and Canada, the Indy 500, antique car shows, and Tiger baseball games.  Classical concerts and exploring new cities were favorite destinations.  Cheering for the Red Wings occupied many evenings during hockey season.
 
Nature was respected and admired by Rick.  His childhood was spent camping with his family.  Later, he hunted for whitetails in the U.P., and for mule deer in Wyoming and Colorado.  His enjoyment of fishing grew into a devoted hobby of restoring poles and collecting antique rods, reels and tackle, which accumulated to several hundreds of each.
 
He possessed a kind heart and gentle disposition, with a ready laugh and helping hand.  Great patience and attention to detail were his work habits.
 
His employment included four years for Wm. Lang, laying telephone cable throughout Michigan.  In Escanaba, he worked for TransFleet Enterprises as a heavy equipment mechanic.
 
In addition to his wife Penny, survivors include:
 
Mother: Shirley Totten of Mt. Pleasant
 
Brother: Rodney (Lou Ann) Totten of Rosebush, MI
 
4 sisters: Rohnna (Steve) Bridget of Mt. Pleasant, MI, Rebecca (Jim) Haught of Texas, Robin (Steve) Sargeant of Mt. Pleasant, and Rhea (Chuck) Lewis of Coleman, MI
 
3 nieces and nine nephews.

His father John and nephew Jacob preceeded him in death.
 
Richard was a member of St. Joseph/St. Patrick Church in Escanaba. 
 
A private Mass of Christian Burial services will be held at the St. Joseph/St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Eric Olson officiating.  Entombment will follow at the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum in Wells Township.  You can express your sympathy to the Totten family, or leave a memory tribute about Rick by using the form below.  The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Totten family.