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Richard George Kirpes
July 10, 1929 - March 21, 2017
Burial Date March 28, 2017
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Richard “Dick” Kirpes, 87, died 21 Mar 2017, at home with his family. A viewing will be at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Lacey WA 5-7PM on March 27; funeral mass at St Columban Catholic Church in Yelm WA 11AM on March 28; and burial at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent WA 12:30PM on March 29.
Dick was born 10 July 1929 in his beloved Colton WA, where he lived and graduated from High School. He met and married Irene, his loving wife of 62 years, while working in Tacoma WA and then volunteered for the US Army during the Korean War serving honorably. He moved back to Colton and owned/operated the “Steelhead Gateway” tavern, locally known as “Dicks”. After selling the tavern, the family moved to Tacoma WA and then to Olympia WA for his remaining 41 years where he retired from the WA State Department of Revenue in 1992.
Dick loved life, family and friends, good jokes, teasing and laughing, hunting, fishing, camping, good steaks, light beer & cold drinks (and new favorite Bud Clamato). He loved all children, gave stern, wise advise with unconditional love to his family. He was a huge Mariners, Seahawks, and Zags fan. He loved a phone call or a visit anytime and preparing special family meals. He was on the local restaurant breakfast circuit where he knew everyone, so it seemed. He was welcomed and greeted warmly everywhere!
He is survived by his brother Larry, companion Mary Oliver, sons Mike and Mel, daughter-in-law’s Deborah, Debora, and Loretta, and as “Papa” to his 11 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, and too many other family and friends to count.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Eva, seven brothers and sisters, his wife Irene (Disch) Kirpes, daughter Beckie Wagner, son Mark Kirpes, and granddaughters Betsie Gold and Stephanie Kirpes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on his behalf to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.