Richard D. Wilson

Richard D. "Rich" Wilson, 75, Topeka, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 doing what he loved… meticulously mowing his yard and "competing" for the most manicured lawn in the neighborhood.

Rich was born August 21, 1946 in Norton, Kansas, the son of John and Margaret (McClelland) Wilson. He graduated from Norton High School in 1964 and from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a BS in Business Administration in 1968.

He was employed with K-Mart Corporation for 47 years as a Store Manager and District Manager, retiring in 2015.

He was immensely proud of and loved his daughters and grandkids. Rich loved attending all of his grandchildren's activities, the outdoors, golfing with friends, yardwork, cars, Nebraska football, Jayhawk basketball and more golfing. He enjoyed eating popcorn and watching his favorite programs, sports and golf on TV. He also enjoyed grilling on the deck, dining out, walks around the neighborhood on a cool evening, and 9pm ice cream, especially Sheridan's mocha almond concretes.

Rich married Diane Retzlaff in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in 1972. His career led Rich, Diane and their two daughters, Nikki and Heather, to 13 homes in 12 years, finally settling in Topeka in 1984. Rich and Diane later divorced after 30 years of marriage. He remarried Denise Riveland in 2003. They divorced in 2015. Rich is survived by Diane Wilson, daughter, Nikki (John) Hutton of Topeka, daughter, Heather (Brian) Sloop of Lawrence and grandchildren Haley and Wilson Hutton, Emerson and Barrett Sloop. He is also survived by Denise Carter and her daughter Brynn (Jordan) Henderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Robert and his shih-tzus, Lexi and Emma.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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