Dick L. Eilers

Dick was born on June 25, 1942, in Omaha, Nebraska to parents Dick L. and Julia G. Eilers. He was the second of three sons born into this marriage. He graduated from Westside High School in 1960 and later Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa in 1965. Dick married Marilynn J. Dickman after falling in love at college. They were married shortly after graduation and moved back to Omaha where Dick began his long career in health and life insurance with World Insurance Company. Four years later, the couple welcomed their son, John, into their lives. Their daughter, Julie Maree, completed their family three years after that. His children remember their dad as a loving, affectionate father who was always generous with his time and supported them in their education and pursuit of their interests.

Dick moved his family to Mason City, Iowa in 1984, where the couple happily stayed until moving to Kansas City, Missouri after the birth of their granddaughter in 2013. Dick loved to travel and took his family on vacations as often as time allowed. He was a good cook and often made big batches of chili and sloppy joes to share at church fellowships. Dick always referred to his wife as his “Bride,” and set an example of love and commitment for others to follow. To say Dick had a “gift of gab” may be an understatement to some, but he could talk with anyone, anywhere, for any reason and his kindness shown to others will never be forgotten.

Dick was a member of Countryside Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska; First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mason City, Iowa; and finally Bethel United Church of Christ in Kansas City, Missouri. He was active in both Nebraska and Iowa with the Election Boards. Recently, he was a volunteer for W.I.C. and was happy to be a “Papa” to many little ones while he was there. He was blessed with many lifelong friendships with several people but none as special as the 53 years he shared with his Bride.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dick L. and Julia G. Eilers, and grandparents, Tom D. and Lyle Eilers and John and Julia Gabor.

Dick is survived by his wife, Marilynn, of Kansas City; children John Eilers of Springfield, Missouri and Julie (Robert) Kuchar of Kansas City; grandchildren Nicholas Robert and Emme Maree Ann Kuchar; brothers Tom (Jill) Eilers of Omaha and William (Karen) Eilers of Kansas City, along with several loved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on October 1, 2018, at Bethel United Church of Christ, 4900 NE Parvin Road, Kansas City, Missouri. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dick’s life. Memorials may be given in memory of Dick to the Bethel UCC Building Fund. The family will hold a private burial.