Richard F. Kaspar Jr.

Richard F. Kaspar Jr., 66, of Palmer, passed away on July 21, 2018 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held at 2pm Saturday, September 1 at the American Legion Palmer Post 15 located at 1550 S Mystic Cir, Palmer, AK. Rick was born in New York to Richard and Virginia Kaspar on November 9, 1951. He went to various schools as his father was in the Navy. He married Diana on August 10, 1991 in Palmer, AK. He worked civil service Army before retiring as motor pool supervisor on Fort Richardson with multiple recognitions of excellence. Rick served in the Army and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Cross Gallantry with Palm, and the National Defense Service Medal. He also received two overseas bars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device. Rick maintained memberships with the Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Legion Palmer Post 15. Rick had a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed lazy days at the cabin supervising the hunting crew. Rick never met a stranger, cherishing his friendships with many. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was a big supporter of the Palmer High hockey team. Rick and Diana recently made Arizona a part of their next adventure. While there he loved nothing more than to hop into his golf cart and drive to the local store to enjoy an apple fritter. Rick is preceded in death by Richard Kaspar Sr., Virginia Kaspar, Daryl McKenzie, and his beloved dog Rocko. Rick is survived by his wife Diana Kaspar. Children Virginia Minturn (Jake), Michelle Shults (Kelly), Duane Kaspar, David McKenzie (Connie), Duane McKenzie (Jennie), Robbie McKenzie (Felicia), Dylan McKenzie (Kim); sisters Melissa Cabo (Ben), Pam Bush, Karen Dewberry, Susan Kaspar; Grandchildren Blake, Hayden, Delaney, Taylor, Americus, Tea, Isaac, Declan, Amelia, Kenzie, Lucy, Levi; many nieces and nephews as well as many others that considered him “dad”. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate blood to the Blood Bank of Alaska or the charity of your choice in honor of Rick. The family of Rick would like to extend our sincere thanks to Doctors Penn and Brady. Nurses and assistants Roz, Hollie, Kimberly, Sharyn, Jennifer, Melanie, Lisa, Heather, Char, and Sam. Rick has been laid to rest with his mother and father at the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery.