Obituary for Richard “Dick” Paul Kulka
Mansfield: Richard “Dick” Paul Kulka, age 92, of Mansfield passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024, in Wedgewood Estates following a brief illness. As a believer in Jesus, he no longer suffers and is with Him in heaven, reunited with his wife.
He was born May 8, 1931, in Mansfield to John and Dorothy (Warner) Kulka and graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1949. He lived in Mansfield all his life.
Dick worked at the Tappan Stove Co. until he began his service as a City of Mansfield firefighter in 1957; later promoted to captain. Affectionately nicknamed “Speedy” by his crewmembers, Dick retired in 1987. In addition, he worked part-time at the Overhead Door Co.
On a train excursion to New York City, his traveling companion’s luggage was mixed up with another set, as both were marked Wagner… the other Wagner was Joyce Elaine. A dinner invitation was quickly extended and Dick made the “easiest decision of his life” to marry her five months later on January 16, 1960.
He was a member of Mansfield St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
Dick was even-keeled, pleasant, curious, straightforward, and very smart. He had diverse interests, was self-taught, and proficient at whatever he undertook. Anything electronic or mechanical just easily made sense to him. Because he was so curious and up for any challenge, nothing overwhelmed him- he was a wizard!
Woodworking was another skill. He made kitchen cupboards, bedroom furniture, a dining table, a fireplace mantel, vanity tables for the girls, and the list goes on and on.
Dick enjoyed taking care of his yard, garden, and flowers- and did it meticulously.
As adults, his children looked forward to visits from Mom and Dad as he fixed anything that needed repaired. He was willing and able to work on projects and solve problems around their houses. Mom and Dad made quite a team!
It’s hard to describe how rare and vast his range of abilities. His family is fully aware of how unique he was.
He is survived by his children Elaine & Terry Ruhlen of Mansfield, David & Carla Kulka of Burns, TN, and Lora & Jim Baumann of Janesville, WI; five grandchildren Katie Roller (David) of Ontario, Anna Shay (Gerard) of Lancaster, Clara Gillett (Adonis) of Independence, MO, Amelia Baumann of Kansas City, MO, and Will Baumann (Nicole) of Middleville, MI; five great-grandchildren Jack, Vivian, Lucy, Thea, “Birdie”, and Miles; sister-in-law Leota Wagner of Akron; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his cherished wife Joyce Kulka in 2021, his parents, brother Robert Kulka, sisters-in-law Marcelle Kulka and Diane Kulka. Also preceded in death are in-laws Edwin and Flora Wagner, brother-in-law Carl Wagner, and sister-in-law Donna Jean (Albert) Hollomon.
The Kulka family will receive friends 4:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where a vigil service will begin at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church (60 S Mulberry St in Mansfield) by Reverend Father Kevin Moebius. Burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to the Mansfield Fire Museum, 1265 W 4th St, Mansfield, Ohio 44903.
Visit snyderfuneralhomes.com to view Dick’s tribute video and leave a message of support for the family.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home, Lexington Avenue
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com