Richard “Dick” Vasak, 89 of Santa Monica, California, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife Helen at his side on Jan. 31, 2024.
He was born Oct. 31, 1934, in Crete, to parents Milton and Mary (Payer) Vasak. Dick had one sibling, a sister, Florence Chleboun. Dick graduated from Crete High School, where he lettered in sports. He then went on to Doane University where he majored in chemistry and math. While attending Doane, he met the love of his life, Helen, the woman who would stand by his side through thick and thin for the next 67 years.
Dick and Helen came to California in 1957, where he attended USC and gained an advanced degree in electrical engineering. He went on to work as a physicist for the Navy, followed by working at Honeywell and then at West Amp. Later, he and Helen started their own electronics manufacturing company, Glentek, Inc. Up until his passing, Dick could be found at work every day and often singing classic songs in the hallways.
Dick was involved in many service organizations in Santa Monica over the years: YMCA, Kiwanis, and the Boys and Girls Club of America, where he was deeply involved in coaching. Dick was also passionate about coaching his sons in baseball and football. Dick was a lifelong advocate of Doane University and served on the Doane University Board of Trustees in Crete for several years.
Dick was an avid golfer and won the Seniors Tournament at the Riveria Country Club. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in California, back in his home state of Nebraska, or anywhere in the world. But what he loved doing most was traveling with Helen. Together they have traveled near and far. Dick enjoyed going to Dodger games, cooking, watching Trojan and Cornhusker football, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. Dick was also very proud of his Czech heritage and made sure to pass that on to his sons and grandchildren. Both he and Helen were honored to serve as the King and Queen of the Wilber Nebraska Czech festival.
Dick was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and friend.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen; sons, William, John and Milton; daughter-in-law, Nathalie; grandsons, Richard and Brandon; granddaughters, Danielle, Nicole, Melissa, Briana and Allison; great-grandchildren, Ward, Wally, Colt and Juniper; nephews, Michael and Edward Pallesen; niece, Lisa Chelboun Joos; sister-in- law, Lorainne Pallesen; and his faithful dog, Alice.
He is predeceased by his parents, Milton and Mary Vasak; his sister, Florence Chleboun; and his brother-in law, Charles Pallesen.
“I’ve lived a life that is full, I traveled each and every highway and more, much more, I did it, I did it my way” – Frank Sinatra. Dick lived his life much like this and will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be Saturday, Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Crete.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to all for your support and well wishes at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Doane University in memory of Dick Vasak.
