Ricardo Garcia Lopez

Ricardo Garcia Lopez, 54, of Coon Rapids was peacefully called home to his heavenly father on March 24, 2021 after his courageous battle with a glioblastoma (brain cancer).



Ricardo was born on August 12, 1966 to R.G. & Rafaela Lopez in Austin, Texas. He graduated from Travis High School and shortly after met the love of his life, Grace Acevedo Lopez. They started a life together raised their two wonderful sons, Ricardo Reymundo Lopez, Jr. and Reynaldo Rene Lopez. They were blessed with over 30 years of marriage.



Ricardo was a family man, a man of strong faith, and a servant of the Lord's work. He regularly attended Adoration hour at The Church of the Epiphany and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council #10138. He welcomed anyone into his life and lit up the room when he walked in. It was second nature for him to want everyone to enjoy and live in the moments they were having at the time. He loved spending time with his family, coaching sports activities, or cheering them on from the stands. He enjoyed golfing with his sons, attending Carlos Santana concerts, cooking outdoors, and traveling. In his later years he collected comic books and attending several Comic Cons with his family. One of his proudest labels was being "Papa" to his grandchildren Easton and Aubrey. They were extremely loved (spoiled rotten) by "Papa". He spent every precious moment with his grandchildren creating lasting memories.



Ricardo specialized in the hospitality industry. Throughout his career he became a Chef, Food and Beverage Manager, General Manager, and Executive Manager. He enjoyed working at restaurants, hotels, and golf resorts. His career allowed him to meet and interact with many people around the world. Some of his best career memories was serving top politicians and celebrities at the St. Paul RiverCentre. He mentored many of his employees and made a number of friends along the way. Through his career, he was able to impact community groups such as the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce and the West Side Boys and Girls Club. He enjoyed every minute of service. His last days of his career were spent at Canterbury Park in Shakopee Minnesota.



Ricardo is survived by the love of his life, Grace; sons, Ricardo and Rey; grandchildren, Easton and Aubrey; mother, Rafaela Lopez; brothers, Roman Lopez III (Camilla), Rodolfo Lopez, Rogelio Lopez, Roland Lopez, and Juan Ramon Lopez; sister in laws, Bonnie and Frances Acevedo; brother in laws, Gilbert Acevedo Jr. and Faustino Acevedo (Christine); and several nieces and nephews whom all carried a special place in his heart.



He was preceded in death by his father Roman G. (R.G.) Lopez, sister Rebecca Nice, father-in-law Gilbert V. Acevedo and mother-in-law Margaret M. Acevedo.



There will be a viewing on April 5, 2021 at Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you would like to pay your respects, please visit his obituary page on their website and register prior to attending. A funeral service will be held on April 6, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. with a visitation 1 hour before the mass. The mass will take place at The Church of the Epiphany in Coon Rapids where he was actively involved as a member.



Pallbearers will be Rich Branham, Adrian Galindo, Andy Lauck, Roger Lopez, Dan Rovnak, and Michael Turnipseed.



Honorary pallbearers will be Faustino Acevedo, Gilbert Acevedo, Daniel Lopez, Manuel Ramirez, Rudolfo Lopez and Roman Lopez



The family would like to give a special thank you to Abbot North Western Hospital, Allina Home Health and Allina Hospice , especially Consuelo Chillman, Jason Lano, Kathy Krekelberg, Kathleen Burns, and Leo Guzman for taking great care of Ricardo over the last 16 months. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Brain Cancer Society.