Richard Frederick Block

Richard Frederick "Dutch" Block, age 98 years, of Jefferson City, Missouri, died peacefully Jan. 27, 2026, at Primrose Retirement Community. He was born on October 12, 1927, in Jefferson City, Missouri, the third of four sons born to the late Victor Edward and Mayme Augusta (Caspari) Block.

He was married on September 27, 1947, at St. Peter's Catholic Church to Anna Marie Kitchens, who preceded him in death on June 11, 1996. He later married Anna Marie Hoskins on Oct. 7, 2000, who survives.

Dutch received his education at St. Martin Catholic School, completing eighth grade. With his two older brothers in the U.S. military, he chose not to attend high school, but to go straight to work to help support his family after his father, working as a service station attendant, was murdered in a robbery on Feb. 24, 1942. After graduating eighth grade, Dutch worked at a local farm in Lohman, Missouri, where on Sundays he would ride his bike about five miles, work on a local farm until Friday, and ride his bike home to help support his mother and family, earning $3 a week.

He was drafted and served in the United States Army, holding the MOS of Rifleman PFC for 15 months during WWII from January 1946 to April 1947. He was proud to be a WWII Veteran, and on Nov. 1, 2011, he shared his journey with his brother, James Block, who served in the Navy, on Flight 17 of the Central Missouri Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Dutch and Annie settled in St. Martin's, raising their seven children. He raised cows and tended to a large garden to provide for his family. He worked as a carpenter for most of his life and was proud of building each of his children a home. Dutch was a carpenter most of his career, working for Elbert Raithel Construction Company, building many homes in the Schellridge area.

He was a member of the American Legion, Post 5, St. Martin's Knights of Columbus, and was a faithful member of St. Martin Catholic Church, St. Martin's Missouri.

Dutch enjoyed spending time at their cabin on the Osage River, fishing and hunting with family and friends for many years. You could always find him in his flat bottom jon boat checking limb and trot lines and checking the banks for mushrooms.

Dutch was an influence in his children's lives. He was a humble and simple man who lived modestly and worked hard all his life to provide for his family. He tried to instill common sense and hard work in his children, not knowing his influence would impact the next generation. His life was an example to live by.

In addition to his wife, Ann Hoskins Block, he is survived by his six children, Tom (Linda) Block of Centertown, Nina (Greg) Watts of Largo, Florida, LeAnn Block, Roy (Dawn) Block, Larry (Kim) Block, and Jerry (Libby) Block all of Jefferson City. Thirteen grandchildren, Scott (Danette) Schulte, Shannon Block (Tanya Helms), Travis (Ericka) Block, Nikki (Eric) Schulte, Jason (Lora) Watts, Dustin (Brooke) Watts, Shaun Block, Danielle (Brad) Wolfe, Cody (Casey) Block, Kelsey (Randy) Rademan, Devin (Nicole) Block, Amber Block, and Madison (John) Mathis. Thirty great-grandchildren, four step great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, and five step great-great-grandchildren. Two stepchildren, Sheila (Jeff) Suess and Spencer (Laura) Hoskins, all of Henley; five step-grandchildren, Jesse (Julia) Suess, Bethany (Ryan) New, Samantha (Payden) Henson, Kelly Hoskins, and Lanna Hoskins. Eight-step great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his first wife Annie Kitchens Block of forty-nine years, he was preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and James Schulte; infant great-grandson, Stephyn Mathis; brothers, Robert (Stella) Block, James (Elenora) Block, and Victor Jr. (Vernita) Block.

Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Feburary 3, 2026, with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at St. Martin Catholic Church with the Reverend Brad Berhorst officiating. Full military honors will follow. Private graveside service and interment will be held at a later date at St. Martin Catholic Church Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Richard Block to the St. Martin Catholic Education Foundation.

Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109, 573-636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com.