Richard “Dick” Koerner, 74, of Topeka, passed away on June 6, 2024. He was born in Hays, Kansas, on July 20, 1949.
Dick attended the St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays, and he received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Fort Hays State University in 1972 and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas in 1983. He was employed by the Kansas Department of Corrections for over 30 years, serving as warden of the Topeka Correctional Facility for approximately 15 years.
Dick performed improv comedy with the Senior Class of Topeka for several years. He enjoyed throwing Forrest Gump-themed parties and riding one of several scooters along the Scenic Byways of Kansas. He also loved to play Risk and word games, make clever puns, and prepare holiday feasts from scratch. Dick is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jody. Dick and Jody married on March 22, 2003, in Topeka. Other surviving family members include Dick’s siblings, Ann Koerner (married to Rich Camp) and David Koerner (married to Judy), Dick’s step-children, Jennifer and Greg Arnett, and Dick’s grandchildren, Elise and Amelia Roehrich.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph “Whitie” and Louise Koerner, and his siblings Herbert “Herb” and Thomas “Tom” Koerner.
Dick’s family requests that instead of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Topeka Habitat for Humanity or the Topeka Rescue Mission.
Memorial service Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 3:00 PM with visitation starting at 2:00 at Dove Cremations and Funerals, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka. A reception will follow.
Dick’s wishes were to be cremated and have a service and burial in Hays.
A Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Hays.
Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Dick’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com