Richard Allen "Dick" Ehrhart

Richard Allen "Dick" Ehrhart, 90, of Quincy, went to eternal rest on Friday (Dec. 27, 2013).

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, and will be dearly missed.

Dick was born on June 6, 1923, in Quincy, a son of Matthew J. and Agatha Kohl Ehr-hart.

He attended St. Francis Grade School, Quincy College Academy, Notre Dame High School and Quincy College.

Dick was in the Navy and trained as a fighter pilot in 1943-45, but World War II ended before he was deployed to combat.

On June 12, 1948, he and Betty Middendorf were married, a union of 55 years. Betty died in 2003. In July 2005, Dick married Agnes Brennan. She brought love, joy and happiness to his later life, and she survives.

Dick's great-grandfather, Nikolaus Kohl, began N. Kohl Grocer Co. in 1873. At the age of 13, Dick began working at the family business. His love of the business and his work ethic has created a successful company, now known as Kohl Wholesale. Dick attributed much of the success to the contributions of office staff, sales representatives, warehouse personnel and truck drivers.

Dick advanced from duties as truck driver, shipping dock manager, sales representative and general manager to that of president. Dick's personal charm and customer relationships were keys to his career. He enjoyed the purchasing aspects of the business, particularly canned and frozen fruits and vegetables and commodities.

Dick witnessed tremendous changes in the business over 77 years, from handwritten invoices to employing modern technology. He was humble regarding his excellent example of customer service, which influenced his children and employees. He gained deep satisfaction from providing supplies and services to customers and from creating solid jobs. His wife Betty was a source of support and worked with Dick. Their three sons continue the family legacy, and his daughter was also involved for many years. Dick continued working until October of this year.

He was very grateful for the blessings he received in his family and work life and pleased to impart the love of the business to his children and grandchildren. The 140th anniversary of the company was celebrated this year. Two employee recognition programs exist in Dick's honor.

Dick and Betty were wonderful parents. Their children have cherished memories of excursions to the Lake of the Ozarks and motor home travels throughout the West. He was an avid golfer, sharing many laughs with his beloved golf buddies. His hobbies were boating and bowling.

Dick and his wife Agnes enjoyed travel, especially their honeymoon trip to Vatican City. Dick was a proud grandfather, attending many of the sports, school or cultural events of his grandchildren.

He was a previous member of St. Francis Catholic Church and Spring Lake Country Club. At the time of his passing, he was a member of the Church of St. Peter, Quincy Country Club, the Elks and the Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by his son, Richard M. Ehrhart, and his wife, Laura, and their children, Clara, Gates and Richard W. "Trey"; his son, Mark J. Ehrhart and his wife, Gail, and their children, Marcus and Nicole "Violet"; his daughter, Janice M. Ehrhart, R.N., of Boise, Idaho; and his son, Matthew S. Ehrhart, and his wife, Kandi, and their daughter, Jamie. He also is survived by his stepson, Mike Brennan, and his wife, Carol; a stepdaughter, Patti Calvert, and her husband, Gene, of Macomb; his brother, Matthew N. Ehrhart, and his wife, Marg, of Dana Point, Calif.; his sister, Jean Arp; a sister-in-law, Marge Burns, of Albuquerque, N.M.; and a brother-in-law, Ted Middendorf Jr., and his wife, Joyce, of Overland Park, Kan. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive.

Dick was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty; his parents; and a sister, Katie Ehrhart.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to the physicians and all caregivers who provided quality, compassionate care during his valiant fight against cancer, especially Dr. Raymond Smith, Dr. Randall Dooley, the staff of Good Samaritan Home, and the staff of First Choice Physical Therapy.

SERVICES: 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the Duker and Haugh Funeral Home and at 10 a.m. in the Church of St. Peter. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

VISITATION: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.

MEMORIALS: Quincy Notre Dame High School, the Church of St. Peter, Good Samaritan Home or the Blessing Cancer Center Infusion Room in care of the Blessing Foundation.

ARRANGEMENTS: Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.

WEBSITE: www.dukerandhaugh.com.