RICHARD “RICK” DALE SCHLOTMAN
Richard “Rick” Dale Schlotman, age 64, formerly of Lawrence Kansas, entered into eternal rest on Friday the 29th of May. Rick was born to James and Norma Lee Schlotman in Independence KS on December 30th 1955. In passing Rick has been reunited with his mother and father as well as his sisters Jill and Jan and his brothers Dennis, Jim, and Bobby. Rick is survived by his Wife of 42 years Shelly, Daughter Lissa and her husband Victor Heffner, Son Jason and his sister Jody Gregor. Ricks legacy of hard work and kindness will also be carried on through his grandchildren whom he dearly loved – Kira, Isabell, Abby, and Autumn as well as the blessing of a great grandchild who is on the way.
Rick graduated from Independence High School and received an Associates of Science degree from Johnson County Community College. He was an ASE certified automotive technician and had an aptitude for understanding mechanical functions and making repairs. He put his skills to great use as an Automotive Tech at Jim Clark Motors in Lawrence KS where he worked for many years. Rick spent the last 8 years of his life working for HorizonPSI in Lawrence, KS, where he employed his skills as a Welder and Fabricator.
Rick was a kind man who will always be remembered for his hard work, honesty, and genuine love for those in his life. His love for his family was his motivation in all he did. He was always quick to strike up a friendly conversation and give you a warm smile. He was a person who could fix anything and make anything. He truly was gifted in his abilities as evidenced by the large telescope he was able to build making the pieces himself as well as a computer he built. He loved nature and shared that love whenever he could, whether it was trips to Colorado, making memories with his kids camping or taking the grandkids on a hike he would always share the wonders of nature with those he loved when he had a chance. Outer Space and Space Exploration were always a passion of his and he had the honor of being the President of the Astronomy Club at Kansas University for some time. As part of being the Astronomy Club President he would share his love and knowledge of outer space with local school students. He was a great steward of his knowledge and talents and loved to share them with all.
Rick will be dearly missed but his love and wisdom lives on through his family that he cherished. If you wish to honor his memory then give someone a kind smile or spend a little extra time with your family. The world would be a better place if we were all a little more like Rick was.