Richard Burton Dostal, a beloved resident of Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully on May 23rd, 2024, at the age of 76.
A lifelong Kansas City native and Chiefs fan, Rick Dostal, was born in Waldo in July 1947. He grew up in St. Elizabeth’s Parish, and spent his formative years tinkering with motorcycles and jamming with his garage band, who even played the grand opening of The Landing in 1960! After graduating from Rockhurst High School in 1965, Rick went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Physics at UMKC.
While working at Kroger grocery store in Ward Parkway Mall, Rick met his first wife, Helen. They were happily married for 35 years and had 2 children, Shara and Brian.
Rick dedicated his career to AT&T, where his passion for teaching and innovative problem-solving skills made him a valuable asset. He was known for his positive attitude and unwavering work ethic, inspiring colleagues and leaving a lasting impact on the company.
Passionate about fostering a love of sports and leadership in his children and beyond, Rick volunteered as a soccer coach and Indian Guide leader. His dedication extended beyond his own children, inspiring multiple neighborhood kids from Saint Thomas More Catholic Church. He was fondly known as Mr. D.
As his children grew up, Rick’s dedication to St. Thomas More continued. He served as a Eucharistic Minister, joined the choir, and taught a computer outreach class, where he met his second wife, Denise, who brought him much happiness in his later years.
Rick embraced life to the fullest. Long summer days were spent relaxing by his pool, while weekends were filled with adventurous camping and canoe trips across the Midwest. He cherished genuine connections, always greeting friends, neighbors, and family with a warm smile and a seemingly endless capacity for conversation. His willingness to lend a helping hand was unwavering, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Janet Dostal, his brother Charles “Corky” Dostal, and his wife of 35 years, Helen Moore Dostal. He is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Denise Amor Dostal, his brother Greg Dostal, his two children, Shara Dostal Lewis (Steve) and Brian Dostal (Robyn), his bonus daughter Audrey Amor Hihn (Sam) and his grandchildren, Nick Lewis, Kaitlyn “Juno” Lewis, Collin Dostal, Lorelei Amor Hihn, and Norah Grace Hihn.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church on June 19th at 11am. A private burial will be held separately. The family invites everyone to join them for lunch following the service, to reminisce and gather in his memory. As we are celebrating Rick, we remember the joyful times we had swimming and camping, enjoying time together in the sun. We encourage everyone to wear colorful summer attire in his memory. This is not a formal event, but a joyous celebration of a life well lived.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Catholic School for computer upgrades in Rick’s memory.
Rick was like a brother to me. We have known each other thru Greg for about 60 years. He was always the older (not by much) kid and we always followed him everywhere we could. He did tell us to get lost a lot but we always came back. One day I was in a pickle and needed help at my grocery store and I knew Rick had just retired. I needed someone that I could trust and that was Rick 100%. I said I needed help at the store and he said sure it may be limited because I’m retired!! He helped me for several years as my Manager and I always knew I could always rely on Rick! I LOVE YOU MAN !!!!!!!!
I first met Rick at St. Thomas More in one of the men’s programs. He encouraged me to join the choir where we stood together in the tenor section. Rick was always positive and told some of the wildest stories. Every week there was something new happening at his place. It was fun to watch him come alive as he and Helen’s relationship blossomed–such a wonderful pair. He is already missed.
My heart goes out to Denise and family in your time of sorrow.
Paula and I met Rick and Helen in the early ’70 s when we moved in across the street from them on Fairwood Drive. This was our first new home. We could not have asked for better neighbors. They were very welcoming. Spent many times together. We enjoyed walking the Country Club Plaza with our new infants. Rick was a wonderful person. We still have “fond” memories when we had to move away. I still believe Rick and other neighbors stole For Sale signs and placed them in our yard. There must have been at least 20.
We lived across the street from the Dostals in the early 50’s. At that time 79th street had kids in every house, and packs of us running up and down the street, often ending up in the Dostal’s front yard. Ricky was always at the center of any activity. Corky hovered to make sure we did not get too out of control. It was a sad day when the Dostal family moved to the Waldo area. I don’t think 79th street was ever the same. I would run into him in the summers at the Waldo theater. On Wednesday afternoons they had a special kids’ matinee with 25 cartoons and a couple of cowboy movies. Ricky could always be found in the center of a group of active kids there. After all these years I still think about him and his family. I remember the Dostal Shoe Store in Waldo on the west side of Wornall just north of 75th and always think of the family when I drive by that location.
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Rick. He and Helen were a blessing to many. I enjoyed knowing them.
I met Rick while we were in high school and working at the fountain and grill in the Crown Drug Store in Ward Parkway Center. He was without a doubt more fun to be around than anyone I ever met. Memories of being with him have occasionally popped in my mind over the many decades. I will continue to have great memories of him.
I remember one day Greg and I were doing some work on my mom’s house on west 86th Street. Rick drove up in his convertible with the top down. In the passenger seat was was Rick’s pet chicken! They were driving around enjoying the beautiful spring day. You never knew what to expect from Rick. Going to miss you Rick.
Rick was an older brother I never had …I’m so sorry for your loss.
Jilly