Richard Szukalla

Rick is survived by Sadie Fishback with whom he shared a 25-year loving, inseparable relationship; daughters Vicki Szukalla, Donna Havins and husband Stanley; grandchildren Heather Granato and husband Dom, Robert Havins and wife Dani, and Richard Havins and wife Shevaun; three great grandchildren; stepchildren Billie & Richard Kotrola, Loy & Gladis Smoak, stepdaughter-in-law Mary Smoak; seven step-grandchildren and nine step-great grandchildren; sister Judy Jagodzinski and husband Gary; numerous nieces and nephews including those of deceased brother and best friend Jim Szukalla and wife Shirley.

Rick was born in Chicago, Illinois. After serving in the Korean War, Rick was an electrician and owner of S&G Construction Company in Austin. He was a successful businessman owning many small businesses and start-ups. After moving to Burnet and building a home on Lake Buchanan, Rick was the captain of Vanishing Texas River Cruises and was a striper guide for many years. He loved getting up before dawn, preparing for his guide in hopes of hearing “fish on” from his guests. Rick was generous and devoted; he and Sadie created a gathering place for family and friends and loved to watch their grandchildren fishing off the dock, celebrating around a bonfire, or feasting on a fish-fry. He was passionate about conservation of the lake and was a member of LCCB. Rick didn’t have a rulebook; he was a risk-taker and entrepreneur. He lived a full life.

Sadie and Rick’s families would like to thank the staff of Seton Burnet and Seton Williamson hospitals for their loving care.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00, December 29th at the Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 East Polk Street, Burnet, TX 78611.