Richard Vasak

Notes:

Obituary

Richard (Dick) Vasak, 89 of Santa Monica, California passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife Helen at his side on January 31, 2024.

He was born October 31, 1934, in Crete, Nebraska to parents Milton and Mary (Payer) Vasak. Dick had one sibling, a sister, Florence Chleboun.

Dick graduated from Crete High School in Nebraska. where he lettered in sports. He then went on to Doane University where he majored in Chemistry and Math. While attending Doane he met the love of his life Helen, the woman who would stand by his side through thick and thin for the next 67 years!

Dick and Helen came to California in 1957 where he attended USC and gained an advanced degree in Electrical Engineering. He went on to work as a Physicist for the Navy, followed by working at Honeywell, and then at West Amp. Later, he and Helen started their own electronics manufacturing company, Glentek Inc. Up until his passing Dick could be found at work every day and often singing classic songs in the hallways.

Dick was involved in many service organizations in Santa Monica over the years. YMCA, Kiwanis, and the Boys and Girls Club of America where he was deeply involved in coaching. Dick was also passionate about coaching his sons in baseball and football. Dick was a lifelong advocate of Doane University and served on the Doane University Board of Trustees in Crete for several years.

Dick was an avid golfer and won the Seniors Tournament at the Riveria Country Club. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, in California, back in his home state of Nebraska or anywhere in the world. But what he loved doing most was traveling with Helen. Together they have traveled near and far. Dick enjoyed going to Dodger games, cooking, watching Trojan and Cornhusker football, and attending his grandchildren's sporting events and activities. Dick was also very proud of his Czech heritage and made sure to pass that on to his son's and grandchildren. Both he and Helen were honored to serve as the King and Queen of the Wilbur Nebraska Czech festival.

Dick was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife Helen, son's William, John, and Milton, daughter-in-law Nathalie, grandson's Richard and Brandon, granddaughters, Danielle, Nicole, Melissa, Briana, and Allison, great grandchildren, Ward, Wally, Colt and Juniper, nephews, Michael and Edward Pallesen, niece, Lisa Chelboun Joos, sister-in- law Lorainne Pallesen, and his faithful dog Alice.

He is predeceased by his parents Milton and Mary Vasak, his sister Florence Chleboun and his brother-in law, Charles Pallesen.

"I've lived a life that is full, I traveled each and every highway and more, much more, I did it, I did it my way" ? Frank Sinatra Dick lived his life much like this and will be dearly missed!

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 17th, 11:00 A.M. at Grace United Methodist Church, 1245 Juniper Ave, Crete Nebraska

A Celebration of Life will be planned in California at a later date.

(Courtesy of Dennis Belohlavy, from Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete)

(Research):Graduate of Doane College, Crete, Nebraska, class of 1957.

Richard married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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