Richard H. Heidrick

Richard H. Heidrick, age 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at the Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems Resident Care Center in Beloit, Kansas.

Richard was born July 16, 1927 in Beloit to Henry and Gladys Estella Baird Heidrick.

Dick was a Korean War Navy Veteran and served his first two years from 1945-1947 while continuing his education at The University of Kansas in Lawrence. He re-enlisted to serve four more years during the Korean War. He loved to talk about his travels on a Navy Destroyer USS Zellars, stationed in Cuba and Panama.

While he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia; he met Jacquelyn Watson at Virginia Beach. On weekends, he drove 500 miles each way to Parkersburg, West Virginia, her hometown, to see her. Richard and Jackie were married on June 9, 1952 in Parkersburg. They made their home in Beloit. To this union five children were born: Sharon, Stephen, Michael, Marlene, and Christine.

Richard drove a truck for Farmway Coop for three years after their marriage and then took a position at the Guaranty State Bank in 1956, working with his father, Henry Heidrick. He retired from the Guaranty State Bank and Trust Company in 1989.

Dick was heartbroken at the death of his wife, Jackie on August 30, 1982. He spoke of her with love and respect his entire life. After being introduced to Monica Tadtman by his daughter and her son, Dick and Monica married on June 3, 1983. Monica was a tremendous blessing to him and to his children and grandchildren. They enjoyed playing golf together, traveling, and shared a great friendship and love. Monica passed away on August 21, 2013.

Dick thoroughly enjoyed playing golf and loved watching and attending many sports events, especially in Manhattan, Kansas. To prove the power of love for Monica, he changed from an avid KU fan to bleeding purple K-State Wildcat fan.

Dick called Beloit home until 2009. They then moved to Stoneybrook Assisted Living in Manhattan to accommodate both of their needs for special care. After Monica's death, Dick returned to Beloit to the Resident Care Center to be near family and friends.

He was always up on current events, sports, politics and was a lover of history. He was very interesting to talk to and always had an opinion! He understood business, appreciated the arts-especially music. He enjoyed all televised sports and spent many hours watching them all. It pleased his children that he kept up with technology, being active on his computer until just recently.

He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church all of his life and proclaimed Jesus as His Lord and Savior. He was also a member of the VFW, USS Zellers (DDD777) Association, Inc., and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life five children: Sharon & Carl Comba, Garden City, KS, Stephen & Anita Heidrick, Beloit, KS, Mike & Judy Heidrick, Beloit, KS, Marlene & Steve Schilds, Topeka, KS and Chris & Lyndon McClintock, Canyon, TX. Dick has five stepchildren: Jim & Marty Tadtman, Wichita, KS, Marilyn Taylor, Winfield, KS, Tom & Becky Tadtman, Overland Park, KS; Jeff Tadtman, Poteau, OK, and Jonathan Tadtman, Palm Springs, CA; friend and care-giver Karen Tadtman, Manhattan, KS. He is also survived by; 21 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and his beloved sister Jeanne Moritz of Beloit.

He was preceded in death by his wives Jacquelyn and Monica, father Henry, mother Gladys, stepmother Wilhelmina, sister Betty, brothers-in-law Dutch DeMars and Stan Moritz, stepson Steven Tadtman, son-in-law Bill Taylor and great grandson Jeret.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 25, 2014 at St. John's Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the church or to VFW Post 6242. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the McDonald Funeral Home with the Parish Vigil and Rosary held at 7:00 P.M. Friday.