Richard Friend

Richard Walter Friend, 74, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away after a long battle of health issues on May 18, 2026, in the town he proudly called home.

He was born on February 24, 1952, in Terre Haute, Indiana. His loving parents were Richard and Norma (Cole) Friend, they raised him in La Porte, Indiana, where Richard spent most of his early life.

Richard, also known as Dickie by his classmates, graduated from La Porte High School, where he was a proud member of the La Porte Slicers State Championship tennis team. He continued his education at Purdue University, earning a degree in education.

He was a lifelong and loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Fort Wayne Komets. In his younger years, Richard enjoyed playing rugby and men’s fast-pitch softball, and his love for hockey remained with him throughout his life. He continued playing hockey well into his late 60s as a dedicated goalie, a role that perfectly matched his toughness, determination, and love of competition.

More than anything, Richard loved being present for his family. He spent countless years cheering on his daughter at sporting events and proudly passed his love of sports down through generations. One of his greatest joys was supporting his three grandsons and attending as many of their activities and events as possible. Whether sitting in the stands, offering encouragement, or simply showing up.

Richard dedicated over 30 years of hard work and commitment to RPS/FedEx Ground before retiring. He was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and the friendships he built along the way.

He is lovingly survived by his daughter, Megan (Zach) Hough of Berne, Indiana; his three grandsons, Brayden, Braxtyn, and Krew Hough, all of Berne; his stepdaughter, Stacy Vanderbilt, and her children Tyler, Austin, and Kylie, and his sister, Susan (Mark) Kline of La Porte, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Norma Friend, and by his beloved wife, Janet Friend.

Richard will be remembered for his kind heart, his unwavering love for family, his passion for sports, and the way he showed up for the people he loved. His presence at games, family gatherings, and everyday moments will be deeply missed, but the memories he created will live on in all who knew him.

There is to be no funeral arrangements at this time, but a celebration of life at a later date in Berne, IN.  Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

To find updated information about Richard's Celebration of Life, please contact Megan Hough at  Meggs887@gmail.com.