Rick was born in Hannibal, MO on January 22, 1947 to Frederick and Patricia Marschel. He married LaLonnie, his beloved wife and partner in life and love, on October 10, 1987. Jesus took him home on July 3, 2021 as he was surrounded by his children and held in the arms of his wife in Colorado Springs, CO.

Rick is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife, LaLonnie, and children Kelly (Michelle) Varwig of Kerrville, TX, Kimberly (Jesse) Moses of Calhan, CO and Korrey (Laura) Varwig of Peoria, IL. Rick leaves behind a tremendous legacy with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Alyssa (Steve) & Samantha Brooks; Jesse (Lara), Chelsea, Cheyenne, Alexis, Kaitlyn, Gizelle, Michelle & Gabrielle Moses; Brady, Mason, Morgan, Aidan, Gauge & Colby Varwig; Hunter & Hudson McDowell; Destiny Brooks-Moses; Camryn & Jade Nowlen; Annabel Killian.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, brother (David), father-in-law (Ivan) and mother-in-law (Adeline).

During their 34 year marriage, Rick and LaLonnie explored much of the United States in their RV and made homes in Arizona, California, Illinois, Texas, and Colorado prior to their retirement to Colorado. As a result, they have many friends across the country.

Rick’s family describes him as loving, compassionate, kind, fun and faithful. Rick’s greatest joy was sharing about the love of God with family and friends; his favorite verse was 1 John 4. He blessed many with deep conversations about God’s love and did it with such grace. He counseled and supported many through tough times. For all who never got to walk a deep walk with “Papa Rick”, we are so sorry you missed out on such a wonderful opportunity.

In addition to travelling and sharing his love for Jesus and the love Jesus has for all of his children, Rick loved spending time with his family. He would often be seen playing “stinky feet”, running around shooting Nerf guns, using the “smasher”, snuggling grandbabies and enjoying a piece of pie at family gatherings. Papa Rick had an infectious smile and sweet presence… and while there is not one ounce of his DNA in any of us, his DNA is so deeply embedded in each and every one of us. He was truly one of the most remarkable men to have walked this earth and will forever be missed by his loving family and friends.