Richard Flores Vasquez

Richard was born on 21 December 1947 to Moises Elias Vasquez and Ernestine Garcia in Sonoma, California. After high school, Rick enlisted into the United States Army in 1965 during the Vietnam War era as a lineman. He was stationed in Paris, France in support of Allied Forces Central Europe. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he dedicated over 50 years to serving the military community. He retired after 35 years as the operations manager from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service in Ramstein Air Base, Germany. In 1997 he started pursuing martial arts with Karate Tech, and earned his 4th dan black belt, granting him the rank of Master. His passion to serving the Kaiserslautern Military Community in Germany remained. As a Sensei, he devoted 16 years to teaching martial arts to youth and adults. Rick’s distinctive accomplishments range from numerous service and excellence awards to winning local and European karate tournament championships.

Richard was preceded by his father, Moises; mother, Ernestine; brothers, Raul, Robert and Roy Garcia. He is survived by his wife, Ute L. Gabler-Vasquez; sons, Richard (Elizabeth), Phillip (Sarah); daughters, Helmi, Wendy; brothers; Pedro (Susan-deceased), David (Lois), Daniel, Michael (Valerie); and sisters Christina (John-deceased), Rita (Paul), and Sandy; and sister in law Susan along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as many nephews and nieces.

Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved spending quality time with family and friends. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing different musical instruments, fishing and astronomy. Rick’s life was fulfilled with his six Dalmatians and his Doxie, which he all deeply loved very much.

A Visitation for Richard will be held Friday, July 7, 2023 from 8:30 am to 9:00 am at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, Funeral Service from 9:00 am to 10:30 am .Committal Service will follow 11:00 am to 11:30 am at Barrancas National Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Vasquez family.