Richard N. Verbeck

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Richard N. Verbeck, 94, of Kansas City, Kansas passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Garden Terrace of Overland Park, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 708 N. 4th Street, Kansas City, Kansas. Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery will follow the service. A rosary will be said at 8:30 a.m. at the church with the wake following at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Sisters of Charity – Leavenworth or St. John the Baptist Church. Richard was born on May 9, 1931, to Croatian immigrants George and Margaret (Sachen) Verbeck. He was a first generation American and the youngest of 8 children. It is rumored Richard was his mother’s favorite and it’s easy to see why; he was always the life of the party. Richard attended St. Mary’s elementary school on Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, Kansas, and Bishop Ward High School, graduating in 1950. He attended Kansas State University and Kansas City, Kansas Community College, ultimately receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from Rockhurst University in May of 1974. Richard followed in the footsteps of his older brothers who served during World War II when he joined the military during the Korean conflict. He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to June of 1956. During his tour, Richard hitched a ride with the United States Navy and sailed by ship to Okinawa, Japan. Upon his arrival, Richard was tasked with, as he put it, “babysitting” the atomic bomb. He was a proud Veteran and was honored to serve. Richard joined his older brother George and hired on with the United States Post Office in 1958. He worked as a mail carrier until his retirement in 1989. Richard did not know a stranger on his route. He had a smile and a “howdy” for everyone he saw along the way. Sports were a lifelong love of Richard’s. Richard played baseball, football and basketball at the high school and college levels. He was a baseball coach in the Ban Johnson league, passing on his knowledge of the game to future generations. Richard participated in league bowling at St. John the Baptist Catholic Club for many years. He enjoyed the comradery as much, if not more, than the game itself. Richard was an avid golfer. He joined the Hole in One Club two times. Legend holds that he had a third hole in one that is still out for validation. Richard also holds the prestigious title of IPGA Champion for his 2001 win. Richard and his siblings were Kansas City Chiefs’ season ticket holders. They purchased their 50-yard line seats in 1963 when the Chiefs relocated from Dallas to Kansas City and enjoyed many years of fun together following their home team. Richard married the love of his life, Wanda Hermann, on December 30, 2002. Together they were a permanent fixture at Sammy’s Tavern, always having a great time. They spent years traveling and socializing with their many friends. Richard loved his large family and always helped everyone out when needed. You could always count on Richard. Late in life one of Richard’s greatest joys was running the afternoon pickup at St. Patrick’s school. He loved nothing more than picking up his great nephews and their friends and treating them to McDonalds on the way home. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Richard is preceded in death by his parents, all his siblings, his beloved wife Wanda and the apple of his eye, his daughter DeAnne Thompson. He is survived by his daughter Mary Jo Black of Holly Springs, NC, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Garden Terrace of Overland Park, Kansas, for providing compassionate care to Richard during his time there and especially in his final days.