Richard Slusarski

Richard Slusarski, age 80, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born in Columbus, Nebraska, Richard grew up on a farm outside of Monroe as the oldest of five children. His early years were shaped by church, farming, family, friends, hunting, and appreciated a little harmless trouble. A natural athlete, he played many sports in high school and was known for his talent.

After high school, Richard attended some junior college before proudly enlisting in the United States Air Force, serving from 1966 to 1971. During his service, he was stationed in England and was fortunate to travel Europe.

Following his military service, he returned to Nebraska and went to work for Loop Power District. In June 1972 Richard married Joyce Liss and they had four daughters while living in Hastings, Nebraska.

His career later took the family to Colorado, where he moved from NPPD to WAPA in Montrose. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Montrose Gun Club. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed high-power target shooting, hunting, and exploring the Colorado mountains and coached his daughter’s sports teams.

Richard was known for his great sense of humor, infectious laugh, and love of a good joke. He treasured his time drinking coffee with friends and cheering on his favorite teams. Despite the physical challenges he faced, his character was only magnified. Through his faith he continued enjoying life with the same sense of humor that defined him.

Richard is survived by his wife, Joyce; his four daughters, Kim, Jill (Sean, Liam and Reilly Sullivan), Sara (Nayeem, Sami, Zayn and Hadley Ahmed) and Erin, brother Jerome (Peg) and sisters Barb (Mike Metzger) and Paula Kelly and many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents Rudy and Irene Slusarski, sister, Janice (Hueschen), brother-in-law, Tim Kelly, and nephew, Kent Hueschen.

Vigil- 6 pm Thursday, January 8th Crippin Funeral Home 802 E Main St Montrose, CO 81401

Funeral Services- 10:00 am Friday, January 9th St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1855 St Marys Dr Montrose, CO 81401

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider donating to: Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans: For CC or debit card donations call: 970-765-2210 Send checks to: 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way Montrose, CO 81401 Add “Richard Slusarski” in check memo