Richard Michael Kizer

This is not your normal obituary, because my dad did not want one. This is just me, his daughter, telling you a little bit about my dad and his life!

There was never another man like my father, Dick Kizer. He was born to Jack and Violet (nee Walterhouse) Kizer. He told me he grew up loved and wanted for nothing, except maybe for a pair of pants and shoes that he did not have to “grow into,” but such was life being born to parents who lived through the Depression. He had a younger sister, Roseann, and they both grew up on the St. Joseph River, enjoying all forms of water activities! They boated, skied, swam and ice skated! My dad was an active kid, which made his parents sign him up for every activity they could: swimming, basketball, boy scouts, wrestling, football and anything else that could keep him out of trouble, which only partially worked!

Dad graduated from Penn High School, Class of 1966. There, he made many lifelong friends. He then spent two years at Indiana University Bloomington, but had to leave after what he said was, “Way too much partying, and not enough studying!” When I went to college, he made sure to tell me to keep a healthy balance of socializing AND studying!

After leaving IU, dad decided to do “something respectable,” and he joined the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. There he excelled quickly and became a nuclear reactor operator. He joined, what I can only describe as, a small group of men who were crazy enough to confine themselves within a nuclear submarine. There were many stories from the bowels of the USS Flasher, none of which I can repeat here. One thing that I am very proud of, is he was an excellent swimmer and became one of the few Navy divers who were willing to dive under the submarine to inspect the propeller and ballasts. Somewhere along the way, he earned the nickname, “Steely-eyed Killer of the Deep.” Whether it was born out of sarcasm (most likely) or not, it still makes me proud!

After he served in the Navy, he returned and became an electrician with the local IBEW 153, which he was very proud of. He worked for a few local companies including Shaum Elec., George Thompson Elec., but finally retired from Martell Elec. He told me his favorite part of being an electrician, aside from the friendly jeering, was teaching. He could recall many of his students, and he enjoyed helping them learn. He always looked forward to his Tuesday night classes.

My dad was also the proud father of Jacqueline Lee, his father’s namesake, and me—Jennifer Lynn. He was especially proud of the grand-kids whom Jackie and I gave him: Jacob, Ashlee, Amelia and Owen. He loved them immensely, and they could change his mood from anything to happy and smiley! What I would like you to leave knowing, is that my dad was a great dad!

He was especially sensitive and caring, always bringing me dinner if I was ever sick. He said that after his divorce, he realized he had to get his ‘stuff’ straight and figure out how to be a dad. He had his faults, as we all do, but he definitely figured “it” out and became an all-star dad and Papa! I could go on, but let’s save that for his celebration, or “party” as he preferred to call it. You can come and tell me all your stories as well, especially the ones he wouldn’t tell me growing up.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Violet; his sister, Roseann; and his beloved daughter, Jackie.

He is survived by me, Jennifer Little, along with my husband, Brad, and children, Amelia and Owen. He is also survived by Jackie’s children, Jacob and Ashlee Jones, both of Georgia.

Dad’s final wish was to be cremated and sent down the St. Joseph River, over the dam! For as long as I can remember, he spoke of how he used to ski around the buoys and as close as possible to the dam. He said he would taunt the people inside until they came out running over the top and yelling. He had always wanted to ski OVER the dam, but only now, will that wish be granted.

Dad chose Elkhart Cremation Services to handle these arrangements.

Come celebrate my dad on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Mr. G’s Restaurant & Lounge, 708 Lincolnway West, Osceola, IN, from 1:00-4:00p.m. I can’t wait to see you there.

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