Richard Leo Rikli, 72, of Colorado Springs died April 14, 2014.
He was born in Fremont, Nebraska to Vernon Richard Rikli and Arlyne Harriett (Zabel) Rikli.
Richard graduated from Beatrice High School in 1959, attended Nebraska Wesleyan, and then moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1961 to work in the missile defense system industry. He enlisted in the Army where he completed training as a Pharmacist, and was awarded the “American Spirit Award” in 1967. While in the Army Reserves, Richard began a long career in automotive sales. Richard moved to Phoenix in 1993 where he continued to sell automobiles but soon began to develop an ink cartridge business. He moved to Colorado Springs in 2012 to live closer to his family due to ill health.
Throughout his life Richard enjoyed all aspects of automotives: cars, trucks, and motorcycles, he also loved fishing, and meals with family and friends.
His parents and his brother, James Rikli, preceded Richard in death. His brother and sister-in-law, Thomas, and Monica Rikli of Colorado Springs, and his sister-in-law, Sue Rikli, of Kearney, Nebraska survive him. Richard was extremely proud of his many beloved nieces and nephews who also survive him: Karli Rikli; Chris (Megan) Rikli; T.J. (Merideth) Rikli; Nancy (Rocky) Stahla; Jill (Bryan) Adler; Sarah (Walter) Green; Kelly (Kevin) Kreger; and Ben Rikli. Richard also leaves behind a number of grand nieces and nephews, aunts, uncle, and cousins to mourn his passing.
A memorial service will be held at The First Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, May 17, at 2:00 pm.