Obituaries
G. Richard “Rick” Koelsch, 60
November 19, 2017
G. Richard “Rick” Koelsch, 60, went to be with the Lord after a brief illness on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at Lancaster Regional Medical Center, with family by his side. He was the loving husband of Deborah (Mohr) Koelsch to whom he was married for 35 years.
Rick was the son of Peggy (Houck) Koelsch and the late George W. Koelsch, Jr. who passed away in December, 2016.
Rick was a devoted member of Hempfield United Methodist Church, where he served in leadership and sang with the Gospel Guys. He was dedicated to improving the community and recently planted a seed to create affordable housing for Lancaster County through HUMC in partnership with IMPACT! Missions.
Rick was a 1975 graduate of Warwick High School and 1980 graduate of Millersville University, where he obtained his Bachelors degree as a member of the first graduating business class. He had a passion for business and entrepreneurship, which included finance, IT, telecom, networking, and fundraising. Rick was a dedicated husband, father, and friend. In Ricks own words, “It’s all about people and it’s all about relationships.” He enjoyed touring the country in his travel trailer, where he visited all 48 continental states, with a focus on National Parks. His favorite was Teddy Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. He loved puttering around in the yard, gardening, and cooking and entertaining.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by a daughter, Abigail (Koelsch) Thompson wife of Jeffery; one son, Christian Richard; three grandchildren, Jaycie and Ethan Koelsch, and Anna Thompson; three siblings, Dr. Patricia Stoudt wife of Paul, Charles “Chuck” D. Koelsch husband of Dr. Jane Marie Koelsch, and James B. Koelsch husband of Lisa; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rick was preceded in death by two grandchildren.
A service celebrating the life of Rick will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at 11AM at Hempfield United Methodist Church, 3050 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601. A visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 9-11AM. Interment will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Rick may be made to IMPACT! Missions, 118 West Willow Road, Willow Street, PA 17584 or to Care Ministry, Hempfield United Methodist Church, 3050 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601.
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Condolences to the Family
December 13, 2017
Dear Deborah, We were so sorry to hear of Ricks passing. I was on my way to California on the 19th and Jack was on his way to the mountains for hunting. Jack just returned and read the newspapers and told me. We will remember him fondly for his laugh and our softball games and the House of Pizza. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Karen and Jack Eckert
November 29, 2017
Dear Deb, our hearts were so saddened to read of Rick’s passing. Our love and prayers are with you and your family. You all have a special place in our hearts. God Bless, Sandy and George King
November 22, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Koelsch family. I have known Rick for 11 years of friendship and business. One of my first interactions with Rick was on a trip to CT to visit a university installation. We trained up and back from CT that day. I spent the better part of 15 hours with Rick. On the train ride home, we exchanged stories of our families, our interests outside of work and our church community. We started that trip as new business associates and walked off that train as friends. That’s the kind of guy Rick was. We also had a very memorable trip to Pocono Race Track full of laughs and memories that I will never forget. I will miss Rick dearly. Business, golf, friendship, and fun. That’s how I’ll remember Rick. My prayers go out to Deb and the rest of Ricks family. God bless.
Dave Breen
November 22, 2017
My condolences to the family. Rick was a wonderful, wonderful guy. I met Rick about 11 years ago through business with Millersville. I took Rick on a trip to CT to visit a facility. I spent about 15 hours with Rick that day, touring the campus and back and forth on a train, exchanging stories of our families, interests and our church community. We really bonded that day and walked off that train as friends. Thats the kind of guy Rick was. I enjoyed many personal and business activities with Rick over the next 10 years, including a memorable trip to Pocono Raceway. What a great time. I will really miss Rick. I’m very saddened by his loss.
My prayers to you Deb and your family.
Dave Breen
November 22, 2017
My heart goes out to you Debbie. Just know you and your family are in our prayers.
Jean and Terry Slagle
November 22, 2017
Rick you are traveling with the Lord in the big RV in heaven. You will be missed by all your camping friends. Rest in peace.
Steve and Pat Yagecic
November 21, 2017
Dear Peggy, My heart goes out to all of you – Rick was just like one of our family. Lots of fun things when the kids were little. You will be in my thoughts and prayers forever. Love you all, Ruth Nederveld
November 21, 2017
Grieving with you in your loss at the same time rejoicing that Rick is now safe in Our Father’s arms. Praying for you all. Tina Pence
November 21, 2017
Rest In Peace, my wonderful friend. You were a blessing and an example and will live on in our hearts
Tom Fries
November 21, 2017
Abby and Family,
I am sorry I never got to know Rick, but what I know of the extraordinary daughter he raised, and from what I have read here, he must have been one hell of a guy. Your pain is felt by many, and I encourage you to reach out to those who surround you to hold you up over these next very difficult days and months.
My love is sent to all who are touched by this unspeakable loss….Niki Swatski.
November 21, 2017
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Rick was an amazing man. He will be missed. Thinking of you and the family during this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugs,
Roy and Kathi Shaffer and girls
November 21, 2017
Rick was a true friend and we will miss his passion for camping and cooking greatly. Happy trails Rick and we will see you again someday.
Joe and Joan Shamp
November 21, 2017
Deb, Abbie, Chris
I am so very sorry for your loss. Know that he is now your guardian Angel watching over you guys. My deepest sympathies go out to all of you. Wish I could be there for all of you right now. I am just an email or phone call away. I will be with you guys in spirit
Love
Marty (Aunt Marty)
November 21, 2017
To Deb and family,
Rick will certainly be missed by those of us at HUMC. His singing voice, his love of Jesus, and his love of serving are certainly his legacy. How comforting to know he is with our Savior in heaven!!! May you find peace in the coming days. Your family is in my prayers.
May you feel God’s presence as He keeps you in his loving gaze,
Fran and Matt Miller
November 21, 2017
My sincere sympathies go out to Ricks entire family. I was a class mate of Ricks and went to senior prom with him. He was always a fun loving guy.and a friend to everyone.
With sincere sympathy,
Lisa Mearig maksym
November 21, 2017
To Rick’s family my sincere condolences for your loss! I enjoyed working with Rick on Trustees at HUMC and more recently helping with his newest projects at Impact Missions! His positive “can do” attitude will be deeply missed by many!!
Roger Brubaker
- Visitation
- Wednesday, November 22, 2017
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Hempfield United Methodist Church
- 3050 Marietta Avenue
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Wednesday, November 22, 2017
- 11:00 AM
- Hempfield United Methodist Church
- 3050 Marietta Avenue
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
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