Richard Varichak

Richard Warren Varichak

Richard Warren Varichak, 85, of Hibbing, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Hibbing, Minnesota. He was born on Monday, May 4, 1931, in Hibbing to George and Mae (Severson) Varichak. He graduated from Chisholm High School in 1949, where he was active as a three sport athlete (football, basketball, and baseball) and captained both basketball and baseball teams.

He played basketball at UMD and Hibbing Junior College before serving in the U.S. Navy and was a Korean War Veteran. While stationed at the Kingsville Naval Air Base, he met and married Dessie Wynoka Carter in Corpus Christi, Texas on June 15, 1955. They moved to Austin, Texas where Dick graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Education degree.

After teaching in Texas for three years, he and his family moved back to Hibbing where he spent 29 years as an Instructor, Coach, and Athletic Director at Hibbing Community College. Upon his retirement from teaching in 1992, he was inducted into the Minnesota Community College Hall of Fame. He continued his coaching career until 2008, marking his 55 ^th year of coaching.

Dick was a lifetime member of the University of Texas Ex-Student Association, VFW, American Legion Post 247 of Chisholm, active with the Minnesota Athletic Association in Hibbing, and served as District 8 – American Legion Baseball Director.  He was very proud to have coached twelve of his family members throughout his career. He was completely devoted to his wife and family, his friends, students, and players. He will be remembered and missed by all whose life he touched.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Noka (Carter) Varichak; son, Tom Varichak of Lander, Wyoming; daughter, Vikki (Jeff) Jacobson of Hibbing; son, Don (Ann) Varichak of Hibbing; and daughter, Pam Varichak of Hibbing; 14 grandchildren: Shasta (Jody) Slade, Daniel Varichak, Sarah Varichak; Beau (Becky) Jacobson, Kelly Jacobson Connolly, Vanessa (Scott) Hirsch, Lindsay Jacobson, Kyle Jacobson; Shawna Varichak, Taylor (Bjorn) Stolhammer, Cole Varichak; Ashley (Cody) Gunderson, Travis Varichak, and Caleb Varichak; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, George (Vicky) Varichak of Stevensville, Montana; brother, David Varichak of Stevensville, Montana; and sister-in-law, Karen (Kenneth) Varichak of Phoenix, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kenneth Varichak.

Visitation: Will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2016, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Dougherty Funeral Home, 2615 1 ^st Avenue, Hibbing, MN.

Funeral: A military funeral service will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m., July 29, 2016 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2310 7 ^th Ave. E., Hibbing, MN with a short visitation period one hour before the service.  The Rev. Fr. Frank Perkovich will officate.

Honorary Pallbearers: Will be grandsons: Daniel Varichak, Beau Jacobson, Kyle Jacobson, Cole Varichak, Travis Varichak, and Caleb Varichak along with special friends Greg Stainiger and Bill Skarich.

Burial: Will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing, MN with military honors accorded by Mid Range Honor Guard.

Luncheon: A luncheon will follow immediately after the services.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com .