RICHARD ANTON MINARSCH

RICHARD A. MINARSCH, age 78, from Mission Viejo, California died at Mission Hospital on Thursday, June 12, 2008, of cardiac failure during surgery.

He was born on July 28, 1929 in the town of Oak Park, Illinois, to the late John and Marie Minarsch. He attended and graduated from Lane Technical High School in 1947. Richard served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War stationed outside of Frankfurt Germany. On August 12, 1950, he was united in marriage to his first wife Dorothy Jean Steckling in Evanston, Illinois. They lived a wonderful life together until her death on April 4, 1979 following a courageous battle with cancer. Richard then met and married in July 9, 1983 his surviving spouse Ruth J. Olson in Kauai, Hawaii.

Richard worked for Kraft Foods in Chicago, Illinois, Buena Park, California and Pocatello, Idaho. He then went for work for Nabisco in Buena Park, California where he worked until retirement in 1985.

Richard and Ruth, since their retirements, have traveled together to many wonderful places not only here in the U.S. but to various international destinations. During their travels they would always try to visit any family member or friend in the area of their travels. Besides traveling, Richard and Ruth established their beautiful home in Mission Viejo where Richard was able to live his second passion, working in his pride and joy, his garden and yard. In addition to his garden and travels, Richard was always there to help, lend a hand, teach and guide his children and grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his second wife, Ruth; his son and his wife Robert and Dorothy; his daughter and her husband, Kathleen and David Walsh; his son and his wife Richard E. and Tammy; his stepson and wife Tom and Ann Maran; stepdaughter Linda Maran; stepson and his wife Jerry and Fleur Maran; nine grandchildren, Stephen Minarsch, Stephanie Zierke and her husband Derek, Candice Minarsch, Eric Walsh and his wife Alexis, Nicolas Walsh, Michael Minarsch, Mindy Minarsch, Vanessa Maran and Caressa Maran; one great-granddaughter Hailey Zierke; and two sisters Dolly Balk and Judy Perez.

Funeral service for Richard A. Minarsch will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at O'Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, California. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in his name at The City of Hope in Duarte, California.