Richard Joseph Rademacher
August 20, 1937 ~ June 15, 2020
Richard Joseph Rademacher
Born August 20, 1937, in Appleton, Wisconsin. Passed away on June 15, 2020, in Wichita, Kansas. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, and youngest daughter Amy. He is survived by daughters, Ann Powell of Wichita, and Alicia Traffas of Mesa, Arizona, as well as 6 grandchildren, Whitney, Brittany, Taylor, Mackenzie, Kelsey and Hayden, and two great-grandchildren, Payton and Maddox. Richard was a veteran and served in the United States Army prior to pursuing dual Masters Degrees in Economics and Library Science. He served as Director of the Public Libraries in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Wichita, Kansas, retiring in 1999. He also taught a course in Economics at Emporia State University. Richard was an avid gardener, but his family was his true passion. He was warm, compassionate and generous, and he left a lasting impression on everyone he met. There will never be another like Richard. Richard will be honored with a celebration of life at a future date. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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Not many are lucky enough to say that they shared such a close relationship with their grandfather. My favorite memory with you was going to dinner at the Candle Club, just us two. We had a great conversation and I learned so many things about your amazing life. I will forever cherish the time we had together. I’ve learned so many things from you that include ambition, kindness, loyalty, and grace. Those qualities have been instilled in me. I am proud to say that you were my grandfather. -Taylor
Allie, I am so sorry for your profound loss. Although your dad might be gone from this world, he will forever live on in your heart and mind.
Richard was a beloved patient at the drs office where I worked. We shared the same birthday, which gave us an immediate connection. He was so incredibly interesting and kind and I always looked forward to chatting with him. He was a real gem!
To the Rademacher family, my condolences on the loss of Mr. Rademacher. In the 1980’s I had the privilege to work alongside him at the Wichita Library. He was a gentle caring man who was well respected. His passing is hard to accept, but I think he is back with his wife and daughter with a joyful reunion. May God give you strength during this most difficult time. God bless and God bless us for knowing Richard Radermacher. He will be truly missed. Dr. Michael Reno
Thoughts are with you all.
Rest Richard, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation.
So saddened to read of the passing of Richard Rademacher. I had to catch a tear falling down my cheek. He was one of the very few of us who truly could wear the mantle of Gentleman. In our years together at the City of Wichita how I wish I could have exchanged his masterful immersion in words and literature for my burden in numbers and finance. “Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night sweet prince; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Allie – I was so sorry to read your father’s obituary in today’s paper. I am so sorry I never had a chance to meet him. If you are in town, I would love to see you. Maybe we could do lunch and share our sorrows. Please call me. The number is the same – 685-1077. So sorry. Love, Rita
So sorry to hear of Dicks passing. I have a lot of great memories with Dick and Mary. Love to all the family.
Alicia, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of memories with you working with my Mom in Dad’s law office. Your Dad was a very special man and a good friend to our family. The world was a much better place with him in it. God is getting a special angel to share with his kingdom.
Tom, your mom was like a second mom to me when I needed it most. Oh the laughs we had! I simply loved your parents! Your thoughts mean the world to me. Thank you!
How very sad that a Memorial Service/Celebration of Life was never held for Dick, but there are relatives who are disappointed but not at all surprised.