Richard Gerald Horak

Richard was born in Omaha, Nebraska and was the first-born son of Jerry and Mary Horak. We know he is rejoicing in a wonderful reunion with his mother, father, sisters Adeline and Geraldine and his best friend and “bro” Bob.

He loved growing up in Omaha among neighbors who shared his rich Czech heritage. Especially memorable were the summers he and his “bro” Bob spent on Uncle Charlie and Aunt Mary’s farm.

At the age of 18, Richard proudly answered the call of his country and was chosen to serve in the Army Air Corp. During this time he was stationed at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City, where he met and married the beautiful Della Mae Davis. They shared their life together for 63 years.

Our dad generously gave his time and talent to serving the community he loved. Among these were Lion’s Club, Sandy Arts Council, American Gas Association and the United Methodist Church. He served as Director of the National Association of Investment Clubs, Chairman of the Board for the Oratorio Society of Utah, Treasurer of the Salt Lake County Republican Party and a Governor’s appointment to the Work Force Service Appeals Board of Utah. His life was one of service. His most important service was to country. He enlisted in 1944 in the Army Air Corps and trained as a bomber pilot. He remained active in the Air Force Reserve retiring after 40+ years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Beginning as a file clerk at Mountain Fuel Supply (Questar) in 1947, he retired after 40+ years of service as the Director of Budgets. While working full time, he attended night school at the University of Utah, graduating in 1962 from the College of Business.

Family was the best part of dad’s life. Dad loved the many family roles he played from father, grandpa to Uncle Dick and everything in between. Our greatest memories will be of the laughter and fun we shared with him at our many family gatherings.

He was blessed with children Stephanie Strasburg (Nyle), Tamara Ursenbach (Stephen), Rick Horak (Kim) and Shelley Coleman (Rick). Grandchildren include Camille Ursenbach Robertson (Bryan), Nathan Coleman (Kara), Shellie Simpson, Ben and Molly Horak. Later in life his family was expanded with step grandchildren Sunny Strasburg (Martin), Sean Strasburg (Hollie). Great grandchildren include Madeline, Thomas, Xochi, Andre, Gio, and Kaylen.

The family would like to express their love and gratitude to the staff of Country Life Care Center for the compassionate care they gave our father.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. We want to invite family and friends to share in the celebration. If you wish to attend, please send an Email to his daughter Shelley at [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to:

The Road Home

210 South Rio Grande Street

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

or you can give online at www.theroadhome.org/give