Richard "Rick" Eugene Valpatic (aged 65) of Valparaiso, Indiana, left to be with his Lord and Savior on September 7th, 2024 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Rick was born on October 23rd, 1958, the son of Andrew Valpatic and Geneva Valpatic (nee Eastman) in Chesterton and was the youngest sibling to Patricia "Pat" Walden, Andrew "Andy" Valpatic II and Janet "Jan" Valpatic.
Rick married Vicki (nee Schultz) in 1987 and during their 37 years of marriage, they had two daughters: Jennifer "Jen" Florian and Elizabeth "Liz" Yates.
Although it's his passing that we are writing about today, it is his life that we will always remember. How he faithfully served as a leader in the church youth group for 17 years, how he rekindled an old program at the local YMCA that prioritized fathers spending quality time with their children, and how he led small groups alongside his wife for 27 years.
But Rick was more than his accomplishments and his quantifiable years of service, he was also a husband, a father, a papa, a son, a brother, an uncle, a role model and a friend. He was the type of guy who would give you the shirt off his back and ask if he can throw in his shoes and socks too. He made friends wherever he went and never met a stranger. He poured all of himself into a multitude of lives, feeling most at home when helping everyone around him.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents: Andrew and Geneva, his brother: Michael Valpatic, and many a pet he claimed he never wanted but always adored. He will be deeply missed by those who survived him including his wife and children: Vicki Valpatic and Jen (Aaron) Florian and Liz (Ross) Yates, his brother: Andrew (Shirley) Valpatic, his sisters: Jan Valpatic and Pat Walden, and his grandchildren: Archer and Autumn.
Rick's magnificent life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 14th from 10am – 12pm (CST) at Calvary Church of Valparaiso, 1325 Evans Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to CoAction Housing Opportunities in Rick's name, at give.coaction.care
GUESTBOOK
We loved Rick and we are thankful to have known and studied with him. His leadership in our small group was appreciated. His wit and sense of humor was infectious. We pray for the family in this difficult time. Love, -Bud and Barb Baker
I worked with Rick for 30 years. It is said that if a lucky man only makes a handful of true friends in his lifetime Rick would certainly have to be one of them. He could always be counted on to genuinely listen and after having done so offer his unbiased advice and assessment of whatever concern being considered would best be understood. Rick was a friend that was steadfast in his commitment to his faith which was so comforting, he made you think about the promises our creator had made to us all, and how insignificant trivial issues played in these promises. He was a man who because of this I had great respect for, the world will miss him, but we must remember that life for us all is "just a little while", only a very small part of the overall plan God has for us all, if we are smart enough to understand this. Jesus said " In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. I pray that I be assigned a place next door to Rick when Jesus comes back for his own. Rest assured He will be back for his own and Rick Valpatic will certainly be among them. May God comfort and bless Rick's family in this time of great loss for them, but somehow keep these truths in mind always.... -Bill and Caroline Matz
Oh Vicki, Jen & Liz; siblings all; two great son-in-laws, grandkids and extended family - Nancy and I will miss him so but know we will see him in Our Lord’s Kingdom. What an incredible friend! The memories of so many bike rides together ,whether in Wisconsin on ‘Coast to Coast’ rides or in Indiana; Racquetball singles, ‘cut-throat’ & doubles; hiking with Vicki in Missouri; & not just a few beers & ribs in Porter at Wagners; witnessing the kindness & care that you & Vicki modeled as you so effectively modeled life for our kids as Church Youth Leaders; the gentle but firm nudging you gave me to review and consider my spiritual life when the same was getting mundane and rote; the prayer life and leadership you exhibited when Jan was sick in Costa Rica; your joy of life and of course your steady and faithful love for Our Lord Jesus. Thank you Rick and Vicki for being such good and faithful friends- we can’t tell you how much we value that friendship. With All our love in Our Lord Jesus Christ, -Steve and Nancy Clarke
