John Richard Lochmiller

John Richard (Rick) Lochmiller, 82, left us quietly to go with the angels. Rick was born in Ainsworth, Neb., on June 7, 1941, and died Sept. 24, 2023.

Rick, a confirmed bachelor, married Karen McKee (Whipple) on March 3, 1973, bringing two daughters to the marriage: Abigail McKee and Rebecca McKee. Through them he has three grandchildren: Laura Eberhard, Zach McKee and Hailey McKee. He also was Great Grampa to Riley Eberhard and Alder McKee. Rick and Karen enjoyed 50 years of marriage.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Carl and Annetta Lochmiller, and his brother David Lochmiller; was survived by sons, Shane and Jason.

His surviving sibling is his sister Doris/Keith Vilhauer, Spokane, Wash. with their two children: Angela and Haley.

Rick moved with his parents from Nebraska to Othello, Wash., where his father ran an insurance agency due to the increase in population in Othello from the irrigation projects being constructed throughout the area. Rick bought his insurance agency from his father and ran it for many years. He also worked for the Othello Police Department as a radioman. This was not a new career for Rick.

During the Cold War in Germany, he served in the Air Force interpreting Russian communications. Rick continued to be fluent in Russian. His public service did not end there; he also served as a District Court Judge in Othello. He and his wife sold their agency and opened a gifts and collectibles business in Othello and they traveled throughout the country to gift shows for their shop.

Rick was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed exploring many lakes with a variety of RVs and boats. He and his wife owned a cabin at Twin Lakes, Wash., for many years.

When he retired from his gift business, he and Karen moved to Mount Vernon, Wash. Rick again went to work for Pacaar Trucking Center in Burlington working security.

Rick was a quiet man with a great dry sense of humor — he always had a joke or a funny comment no matter the situation. He was loved and admired and he will be missed by his family.

Thank you, Rick, for all that you gave to your family, your community and your country.

A memorial will be held Nov. 10, 1-3 p.m. at North Cascade Christian Fellowship, 1830 13th in Mount Vernon (right across from Hillcrest Park).