Richard L Strecker

Richard (Rick) Lee Strecker, age 67, of Olathe, Kansas, formerly of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025.

Rick was born on March 7, 1958, in Topeka, Kansas, to William and Theresa (Boos) Strecker. He was baptized at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and attended St. Matthew’s grade school. He graduated from Hayden Catholic High School in 1976, where he was Student Council President and Athlete of the Year. Rick earned a B.A. in Physics from Benedictine College in 1980 and was also team captain of the basketball team. He then earned an M.S. in Physics from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1982, and an M.S. in Education from the University of Kansas in 1999.

On August 22, 1987, Rick married Kathleen A. Rinella, and together they were blessed with four children: Jordan, Kristin, Shannon, and Mary. Rick and Kathy met as teachers at Hayden and taught and coached together for many years. They were a “team”. Being a husband, father, and papa were roles that Rick greatly cherished. He lived his Catholic faith and was always there for his family. Rick and Kathy lived in Topeka until 2016, when they relocated to Olathe.

Rick dedicated his life to education as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He served at Hayden Catholic High School from 1983 to 2016. Rick loved to teach Physics, and it was often expressed, “He was the best teacher I ever had.” Rick’s girls’ basketball teams won three state championships, and he was named Kansas Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. His track teams also won two state championships. Rick loved Hayden and was honored to serve as President of the high school as well as numerous other roles, including the nickname of “Hayden Historian”. In recognition of his contributions, Rick was inducted into the Hayden High School Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame in 2021.

Rick taught and coached at Blue Valley West High School from 2016 until 2025 and enjoyed being back in the classroom and on the court. This brought Rick a new community to serve, and they were of great support to him throughout his time there. He was recently honored to receive the Greater Kansas City Girl’s Basketball Lifetime Service Award.

Rick was an impactful leader and difference maker in both school communities, and especially with his family and friends. Rick took pride in supporting his family and friends, as well as thousands of students whose lives he has touched over the past 42 years. He was a humble servant. His wisdom, care, and ability to speak from his heart will be cherished forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Anthony Rinella; grandparents Aloysius and Agnes Strecker, and Clemens and Amelia Boos; and his brother-in-law, John Whigham.

Rick is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathy Strecker; and their children: Jordan Strecker; Kristin (Seth) Wiedel; Shannon (Adam) Sova; and Mary Strecker (Grace Maddox). He was a proud grandfather to Nora, Tori, Leah, Matthew Wiedel, and Anthony Sova.

He is also survived by his siblings: Carol (Greg) Ingenthron, William (Dee) Strecker, Mark (Kris) Strecker, and Scott (Heather) Strecker, his mother-in-law: Susan Rinella, and his in-laws: Mike (Jennifer) Rinella, Ann Whigham, Mary (Peter) Lebourveau, Nancy (Chad) LaSala, and Christi (Mark) Douglas. He leaves behind many beloved cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The Vigil Prayers will begin at 5PM followed by visitation from 5:15PM-8PM Tuesday July 8th at St. Paul Catholic Church, 21650 W. 115th Terrace, Olathe, Kansas 66061. Words of remembrance will begin at 9:45am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10am Wednesday July 9th also at St. Paul. Inurnment will follow immediately after at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

• Hayden Catholic High School Foundation: Strecker Family Scholarship

https://haydencatholicfoundation.org/donate/

You will see there is a drop down area for a Tribute Gift: Type Strecker Family scholarship

• St. Paul Catholic Church Capital Campaign:
• https://onrealm.org/spcatholic/give/Memorials

• Benedictine College (Dr. A. Douglas Brothers Research Endowment):

Give online to the Dr. A. Douglas Brothers Student-Faculty Research Program Endowed Memorials Collection with designation 'Rick Strecker Memorial' and in the note box type 'Rick Strecker Memorial'.

https://go.benedictine.edu/campaigns/39599/donations/new?a=7497753

Catholic Community Health Hospice: 

https://catholiccommunityhealth.org/donate

To share a memory or leave a message for Rick's family, please visit the guestbook.