Richard A. VanHulla

Richard A. VanHulla, 66, of Kingsford passed away with his family by his side on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026. He was born in Iron Mountain on Aug. 23, 1959, to the late Joseph and Fay (Etheridge) VanHulla. He grew up in Niagara, WI, and graduated from Niagara High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army on May 18, 1977. He returned to the area in 1981, and a year later he met his soul-mate and future wife, Annette (Stafford) VanHulla. Shortly afterwards they moved to Arizona for a year and then to California where he worked as a cook and a ranch hand until they returned to Michigan in 1986. Richard worked as a cook at the Hollywood Supper Club before driving semi for Gunville Trucking, and in July of 1990 Richard married Annette at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. In 1993 he started VanHulla Trucking, which he and his wife ran until 2010 when he had to retire for medical reasons. Richard was dedicated to his family and worked hard caring for them at home. When his busy schedule allowed, Richard loved spending time outdoors working in his garden, fishing and camping with family and friends, and cooking awesome meals for everyone to enjoy! At the end of the day, especially in the colder weather, he enjoyed a good relaxation in his self-built sauna on wheels of which he was very proud. Richard will be remembered for his hard work and his heart of gold. Richard will be deeply missed by his wife and soul-mate of 44 years, Annette VanHulla; son, Jason Stafford; 4 grandchildren, Aliyah (Paul) Sargent, ShyAnne Stafford, Krystyna (Michael) Sterba and Larry Stafford; 3 great-grandchildren, Willow and Wyatt Sargent and Levi Dishaw; 7 siblings, MaryAnn Perry, Jacqueline (Donald) Tripp, Helen (Peter) Schlitt, Carol (Bob) Lindeman, Timothy (Patti) VanHulla, Thomas (Sue) VanHulla and Joanne (Mike) Cook; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by a brother, James VanHulla; his parents-in-law, William and Sally Stafford; and 3 brothers-in-law, James Perry, Steven Stafford and Larry Stafford. Visitation will be at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1432 River St., in Niagara from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, with Fr. Joseph Dorner officiating the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Quinnesec Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Richard A. VanHulla online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Richard A. VanHulla

August 23, 1959 - August 2, 2026