Dr. Richard Alan Poel

Dr. Richard Alan Poel, D.O., age 91, of Boyne City, MI, and of Spring Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at his home in Boyne City. He was born on June 9, 1934, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late J. Nyhof and Christine (Bonema) Poel.

Dick graduated from Grand Haven High School, Class of 1952. He then graduated from the University of Michigan, and later, the Chicago School of Osteopathy. Dick worked as a medical doctor in the Tri-Cities area until 1981, when he joined the United States Air Force. He spent 20 years serving our country as a Colonel, proudly assisting and then leading hospital administration. Dick was passionate about helping people and was dedicated to his calling; he maintained his medical license up until his passing.

Dick was a body builder in his younger years and had a lifetime love of exercise and the outdoors. He enjoyed boating, camping, hiking, and water-skiing in the summer months, and hunting and snow-skiing in the colder months. He was also a devoted learner - getting a daily dose of "knowledge and wisdom," as he'd tell his daughter. Dick also enjoyed studying history, philosophy, psychology, and the Bible, with lessons from “The Great Courses” a favorite source. More than anything, he loved his family, friends, and dogs, being near the water or in the mountains, a good "sip" to a good day, and he had an unforgettable, charming sense of humor.

Dick will be forever remembered and missed by his two daughters, Janine Poel McClain and Lisa Poel; stepsons, Mike (Lark) Murphy and Chad (Carrie) Murphy; seven grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Betty Richardson and Joyce Kashima; brothers-in-law, Lonnie and Danny French; and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judith Murphy (2022); two brothers, Ronald Poel (2018) and Stuart Poel (2024); as well as his former wife and dear friend, Cynthia Hermann.

The Memorial Service for Richard was held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at All Shores Wesleyan Church in Spring Lake, with Pastor Peter Yoshonis officiating. Full Military Honors were performed by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven.

A Celebration of Life for Richard will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn-Spring Lake.

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