Richard Dean "Rich" Ollek Jr.

Richard Dean "Rich" Ollek Jr. obituary

Richard Dean "Rich" Ollek Jr.

Richard Ollek Obituary

Visit the Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - West Wichita website to view the full obituary.
Richard "Rich" Dean Ollek Jr. (Shaggy), 60, died Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Sunday, September 28, 2025, Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am, Monday, September 29, 2025, both at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.

Richard was born in Hillsboro, Kansas on December 31, 1964, and graduated from Wichita Northwest High School in 1983. He spent many years working alongside his father at Mid-America Building Maintenance, serving in multiple roles across several cities and states. Richard later worked for USD 259, started his own business, RDO Cleaning Concepts, and went on to serve at Ascension Lutheran Church and St. Francis of Assisi. Most recently, he found joy in his role as the lead bus driver at Life Prep Academy, where he was well loved by staff and students alike.

A lifelong sports fan, Richard was a proud member of the Bills Mafia. Game days were spent in his Josh Allen jersey, Buffalo Bills hat, and-most recently-his custom Buffalo Bills Hey Dudes. Beyond football, he had many passions in life: time with his large family, the companionship of his beloved "fur turd", Harley, and the freedom of riding his motorcycle with friends and with his son, Ryan.

Richard was also deeply committed to causes close to his heart. He was an active supporter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.), where he previously served as a board member in several roles, and he served as treasurer of the Ollek Foundation. Known for his humor, quick wit, and knack for quoting movies at just the right time, he could always be counted on to bring laughter to those around him. He had a way of hearing things differently than they were said, which often led to funny misunderstandings and inside jokes. One of his most memorable sayings-one that family and friends will always smile remembering-was: "The stars from Mars are far from ours."

Rich is preceded in death by his father, Richard "Dick" Dean Ollek; and his wife, Kelly Ollek. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Ollek; spouse, Kathy L. Madrigal; daughters, Heather Knight, Rebeka (Trent) Stanley; son, Ryan (Charley) Ollek; step-daughter, Alyssa (Cameron) Howard; sister, Robyn (Peter) Gruenwald; brother, Ron (Marlene) Ollek; five bonus children, Christina (Jeremy) Vandiver, Thomas (Rachel) St. Michel, Sierra (Ryen) Ingram, Summer Madrigal, Dusty Moore; and seventeen grandchildren.

A memorial has been established with: the Ollek Foundation, 11245 West Neville Court, Wichita, Kansas 67205.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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