Richard George "Stretch" Wierenga, age 87, of Hernando, FL died October 1, 2016 at Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast, Lecanto.Richard was born on June 11, 1929 in Battle Creek, MI to the late Willard R. and Loretta J. (McKinnon) Wierenga. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. After his military service, Richard was employed as a Shipping Clerk for the General Foods, Post Cereal Company. In 1989, he made Citrus County his home after relocating from Battle Creek, MI. A Christian by faith, Richard regularly attended services at the Hernando Church of the Nazarene. He enjoyed collecting model trains, cars, boats and planes. Richard was an amateur ham radio operator and had enjoyed riding motorcycles when he was younger. He was a tremendous dog lover and will be especially missed by his Shih Tzu, "Little One".Those left to mourn his passing are his second cousin, Ethel Rasmussen of Yakima, WA; his lifelong friend, Dennis Calloway of Sun City, FL; friends, Jim and Nancy Sheldon of Battle Creek, MI; and his friend and companion for the past 2 years, Gerrie Cochrane of Hernando, FL. In 2011, Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Beverly Wierenga. A Funeral Service of Remembrance is planned for Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 11:00 AM from the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Reverend Randy Hodges of the Hernando Church of the Nazarene officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 AM until the hour of service. In recognition of his military service, full military honors will be rendered by the Marine Corps League, Citrus Detachment #819. A graveside service for Richard will take place at Battle Creek Memorial Park, Battle Creek, MI on Saturday, October 8th, 2016 at 12:00 PM under the direction of Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, Battle Creek, MI. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, FL.