Richard, who went by Dick, was born July 10, 1930 in Greenleaf, KS, the son of Vincent and Emma (Schroll) Kantack. He was the youngest of 13 children and always said 13 was his lucky number. He was President of his Senior class at Greenleaf High School. Dick received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS and went on to receive his Master's Degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Dick served as an Officer at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, GA. During his time in GA he met the love of his life and future wife, Barbara Joan Embler, on a blind date where it was love at first sight. They wed on June 11, 1955 at St. Juliana Catholic Church, West Palm Beach, FL. They made their home in Jacksonville, FL where they went on to have a daughter and 4 sons. Dick worked for Ford Motor Company as a Zone Manager until his retirement.
He attended Prince of Peace Catholic Church. As a founding member he helped clear the land and build the church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. Many of his longtime friendships were formed while at Prince of Peace. Dick enjoyed spending time with family and you could frequently find him watching an episode of MASH or listening to country music classics. He loved sports and was an avid Kansas State fan. Dick had a love of gardening, especially tending to his rose bushes and homegrown sweet potatoes. Surprisingly he made the best homemade pickles that friends and family lovingly called "Dick's Picks."
Dick had numerous nieces and nephews and he appreciated their phone calls to catch up; he especially looked forward to his daily calls from his nephew Mark Kantack of Sioux Falls, SD. Dick even planned a surprise visit in 2015 to see his only surviving older brother, Benjamin Kantack, now deceased.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, 9 brothers, his son, Keefe Matthew Kantack, and his wife Barbara Kantack. He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Lewe; sons, Richard Kantack, Jr., Ronald Kantack (Elaine), Andrew Kantack (Leila); grandchildren, Lauren Dolman (Jon), Lindsay Burnett (Zack), Brooke Kantack, Blake Kantack, Bryce Kantack; step-grandson, James Williams; 3 great grandchildren who always put a smile on his face, Finley Rose Dolman, Emery Christine Dolman, Keller Zachary Burnett; brother-in-law, Kenneth Embler, DDS (Alexis); his faithful (dog) pal Bodie who was always by his side.
The family is planning a private celebration of his life at a later date.
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