Richard "Dick" Van Goethem Jr.

Richard “Dick” Van Goethem, age 74, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026. Born on April 6, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, Dick lived a life defined by devotion to family, quiet strength, and simple joys.

Dick grew up in Trenton, Michigan, where he developed the values that would guide him throughout his life; patience, reliability, kindness, and a steady, supportive presence. A creature of habit in the best sense, he found comfort in routine and pride in consistency, becoming the rock his family could always count on.

Dick shared a deep and enduring love with his wife of 45 years, Kathy, whom he adored and appreciated profoundly. Together they built a family he was endlessly proud of. He was a devoted father to his children: Beth Olis, Matthew (and his wife Mallory), and Sarah Nelson (and her husband Matt). His greatest joy was being “Papa” to his grandchildren—Everett (8) and Vance (5); Caden (2); and Griffin (3) and Riley (1) whom he loved dearly and delighted in at every opportunity.

A lifelong career in the oil and gas industry took Dick to Wyoming, the Gulf of Mexico, and Colorado, where his strong work ethic and reliability earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. No matter where work took him, his heart always remained tied to home, family, and the traditions he cherished.

Golf played a central role in Dick’s life, beginning in his youth playing alongside his father and brother and continuing through the years with friends, his wife, and his children. The game was more than a pastime—it was a thread that connected generations and created countless memories. Dick also possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of sports and was a true trivia whiz, always ready with an answer or a story.

A proud Detroiter at heart, Dick was a loyal and passionate fan of his hometown teams, especially the Detroit Red Wings, Lions, and Tigers. Sundays, game nights, and sports debates were part of his rhythm.

At home, Dick was known for his legendary “dad jokes”—a well-loved repertoire he perfected and shared for more than 40 years. He also found joy in tending to his yard, taking great pride in having the best lawn on the block. It was a reflection of who he was: attentive, consistent, and quietly excellent in all he did.

Above all else, Dick will be remembered for his gentle spirit, playful humor, unwavering support, and deep love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of steadiness, laughter, and devotion that will continue to shape the lives of those who knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A funeral service to celebrate Dick’s life will be held on Friday, February 13th, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Loreto Parish, located at 18000 E. Arapahoe Road, Foxfield, Colorado 80016. A reception will follow the service.