Richard "Moose" Joseph Nartker

Nartker, Richard Joseph (Dick or Moose) age 82, of Tipp City, Ohio went home to be with his wife Carol and their Lord and Savior on January 17, 2025 with his family by his side at Stonespring Skilled Nursing Facility in Vandalia, Ohio. Dick was born November 15, 1942 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Leo and Anna Eloise (Bloemer) Nartker. Dick was preceded in death by his wife Carol (Martin). He is survived by sons Gregory (Kim) Nartker of Bellbrook; Patrick (Sandy) Nartker of New Carlisle; Brian Nartker of Northfield; daughters Amy (Paul) Broerman of Troy; and Sarah Nartker of Vandalia; along with grandchildren: Travis Nartker; Trevor (Naomi) Nartker; Trenton Nartker; Lindsey (Dan) Griffith; Kirsten Nartker; Kaleigh Nartker; Anna Broerman; Jesse Nartker; Maria Broerman; and Brady Nartker; grand dogs: Ziggy, Ruby, and Dare; and great grandson Thaddeus Nartker. Dick had a strong family connection with his sister Joan (deceased), brothers Tom (deceased), Chuck and Bill, along with all his in-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In his early years, Dick attended Chaminade High School where he excelled at playing basketball and received the nickname “Moose”. His children remember listening to the old recordings on phonograph records of the games as they grew up. As a true sports enthusiast, Dick supported his wife Carol in her lifelong passion for sports. He was often seen alongside her cheering from the sidelines with a steady and encouraging presence rooting for their children and grandchildren over the years. Dick was a calming balance to Carol’s enthusiastic spirit, their partnership a testament to love and harmony.

Dick, a dedicated machinist/line foreman for over 30 years at General Motors, was the backbone of his family and a man of quiet strength. As the strong silent type, he sat back and took in all that went on around him but when he needed to say something, he did, and if you knew what was best – you listened.

In his downtime, Dick had several hobbies. He found peace in his garden, tending to vibrant flowers and vegetables with the same care he gave to his loved ones. He and mom always loved a good card game, any type of card game. They enjoyed many evenings playing euchre with friends in Card Club and pinochle with family. He enjoyed getting a line wet and occasionally, actually catching something on the other end. Dick took up golf in his later years and always enjoyed a good round on the links with friends. He always loved to work a good puzzle whether it was jigsaw, sudoku, or logic. That’s probably why his navigational skills were so good, and he always knew the best route to take – according to him.

Dick had a long battle with esophageal/gastric cancer. After almost succumbing to the treatment in spring of 2022, he set a goal of being at two of his grandchildren’s marriages in October of that year. He achieved that goal and danced with both the brides at their weddings. His greatest enjoyment was the addition of the first great grandchild in 2023; Dick always lit up when they were together.

His gentle nature and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who knew him. But look out heaven, the Moose is on the loose and teaming up with Carol; it’ll never be the same.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Stonespring for the care they gave our father in his final years.

The family will host a visitation from 5 – 8 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Tobias Funeral Home, 3970 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432. A Catholic Burial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on January 24, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 6245 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45459, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/

American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/

Ohio Valley Hospice https://ohiovalleyhospice.com/