Robert A. Dick was born on October 21, 1936 in New Deal, Montana, the son of A.N. and Katheryn Dick, and passed away surrounded by family on October 1, 2019 in hospice care in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended Tabor College and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in biology. He was married to Verla Wichert on June 5, 1960. They made their home in Topeka, Kansas where they had two children. He was devoted to family, career, community and faith. He became a building contractor and real estate developer. Robert was an active member of the Topeka Home Builders Association, and the professional relationships with all his associates were very meaningful to him. He was also actively involved in the Mennonite Brethren Church and Conference and Topeka Civic Theatre Board. In his later years, he found fulfillment working with building projects in India and in the construction of the Ethiopian Mennonite Church in Kansas City. He and Verla moved to Arizona in 2014 to be with both children and their families. Robert’s two children live in Scottsdale: his daughter, Chistine Dick and his son and wife, Cameron and Debbie Dick, and granddaughter, Ava Dick. He is survived by his sisters, Marion (Don) Graumann of Hillsboro, Kansas and Shirley (Dale) Jost of Hesston, Kansas and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Mennonite Church at 4334 West Vista Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee P.O. Box Akron, PA 17501 or Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Beverly Stauffer
Dear Verla and children
Dad (Milton Stauffer) and I are so sad to hear of Robert’s passing. He was had so much presence and such a big heart.
We wish you peace. Love, Bev Stauffer
PS: Verla, we have missed seeing you at church in Topeka. But since May, we all are living in Harrisonburg, VA
Marianna Nothern
I’m saddened to see in today’s paper that your father died. I think about you rather often and miss you. Are you living in Arizona now? Please give your mom our love too.
Warmly Marianna
Marianna Nothern
I’m saddened to see in today’s paper that your father died. I think about you rather often and miss you. Are you living in Arizona now? Please give your mom our love too.
Gary & Ruthann Souder
Dear Verla and family, we are so sorry for the loss of Robert. His fingerprints remain all over our house. You were great neighbors. He was a great encourager, Christian, and friend. We have missed your family since you moved from Topeka. Memories are a blessing. Gary and Ruthann Souder
Janice Ramirez
Cameron-I read of your father’s passing in the paper this morning. I am sorry to hear of that. I was the principal at Fremont when you were there. My last name then would have been Bowers. Dr. Janice Ramirez
Rita Hulsing
Verla and family, your in our thoughts and prayers.
Rita Hulsing and family.
Ruth Maus
Verla and family, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. May you be surrounded by peace and ease as much as possible during this challenging time. You are in my prayers.
Blessings,
Ruth Maus
Topeka
Ivan Weichert
I have a picture of Robert on my bookshelf in my office at the Homebuilders Association…he is sighting down the length of a 2 x 12 joist with his keen eye for detail… I am forever grateful for the many many things he taught me about building and about life. Bestimmt, ein mensch, mein freund. Our love and thoughts to Verla, Christine and Cameron. Forever, Ivan and Karren Weichert
Richard Harmon
Verla, I was deeply saddened to learn of Robert’s death. Please know you are my thoughts and prayers. Hugs—
Richard Harmon
Brenda Jellison
We are sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. Chris worked several jobs in the Topeka/Lawrence areas with Robert-he was great to work with and always had great stories to tell.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris and Brenda Jellison