Former Radio Reader on WKAR, Dick Estell, dies
HASLETT - Dick Estell, whose voice graced the airwaves for more than five decades as the Radio Reader on WKAR radio, passed away Friday. He was 90.
Estell's career at WKAR began in 1955, starting out reading announcements and farming reports.
Once the station's staff recognized his vocal talent, Estell was given more work, he told the Lansing State Journal in a March interview. He began broadcasting five-minute news programs and took on the role of station manager in 1962, shortly after graduating from Michigan State University He was selected as the new host of Radio Reader in the mid-1960s.
Radio Reader would be one of the first shows syndicated on the young National Public Radio network in the 1970s. Estell would read more than 600 books as the program's host, ended his time on the show in March due to health concerns. The last book he read was John Grisham's "Rogue Lawyer." WKAR ended the program along with his retirement.
"People have been sending letters with deeper messages recently," Estell said, shortly before the show's end. "Thanking me for touching their hearts and souls."
News of his passing first appeared on the Radio Reader website courtesy of Hal Prentice, who had been a producer of the Radio Reader.
'Radio Reader' host ends show after 50 years behind the mic
Consolation messages can be sent to Dick's wife, Sheryl Estell, by mail to 1195 Woodwind Trail, Haslett, MI, 48840-8956 or by email to dikestell@aol.com.
The website also provides a link to a GoFundMe page where fans of the show can assist Sheryl Estel with the significant medical expenses incurred during Dick Estell's final months. More than $3,000 has been raised by 40 people in the past month.
Visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 10 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing. Estell's funeral is scheduled for noon on May 11 at The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing.
Contact RJ Wolcott at (517) 377-1026 or rwolcott@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @wolcottr.