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Memorial services for Clarence Richard ("C.R.," "Dick") Herpich, 75, of Lawrence, KS, will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Saturday, February 9, at 2:00 P.M. C.R. died Saturday, January 12, in the cardiac intensive care unit at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
He was born December 23, 1943, to Rosalee Alma Herpich and Clarence Leroy Herpich in Atchison, KS, and grew up in rural Denton, KS, where his mother still resides. He was an active child whose love of sports, animals, and the outdoors helped shape the course of his life.
At Emporia State University he excelled in cross-country running and was a member of the 1961 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championship team. He obtained a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from the University of Arizona, and proceeded to make his mark as a devoted high-school teacher and athletics coach across four decades.
C.R. spent his first year teaching in his hometown, Denton, and the second in Leon, the hometown of his future wife, Ruth. The next 38 years of his career as an educator were spent at Baldwin High School in Baldwin City, KS, where he helped establish the cross country program. C.R. also coached track and taught math, astronomy, and photography classes.
After surviving a battle with pancreatic cancer in 1997, he retired from coaching in 1999, but continued teaching classes at BHS until May 2005. Missing his involvement with athletes, he soon took a job as a driver for the KU Track and Cross Country teams, which he continued until his passing. In recent years, C.R. also worked as a cashier at Kohl's. He always enjoyed seeing friends and former students, and hearing updates on their lives.
He was an avid nature photographer whose images were published regularly in Kansas! magazine and its associated calendars from the '70s through the '90s, under the byline Dick Herpich. He loved visiting and capturing the beauty of Arizona and Colorado too. He was especially proud of achieving his dream of having an image published in his favorite magazine, Arizona Highways, in 1977. His work was exhibited in many capacities over the decades. BHS annually gifted retirees with a framed print of his best-known photo, an image of Baldwin's maple trees.
C.R. and Ruth were married in Emporia, KS, on December 21, 1967. They began a family in Baldwin, and in 1985 they relocated to Lawrence, where they remained. They raised three children and enjoyed the company of several beloved pets.
C.R. was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Leroy Herpich; his brother, John "Jack" Herpich; and his sister, Janet Scheibe. Survivors in the immediate family include his wife Ruth; their three children, Paul (with wife Lori) and David, of Lawrence, and Stephanie Elizabeth, of Worcester, MA; his mother, Rosalee, of Denton; and the families of his late siblings.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mr. Herpich was my algebra teacher in Baldwin High School. So sorry to hear this. Thoughts to his family and friends.
Ila Andersen-Russell
February 4, 2019
Mr. Herpich taught me how to love and understand the stars, and how to work harder to win. Great memories on and off the track. Thanks Coach. Our prayers to your family.
Paul Harper
Student
January 22, 2019
Coach Herpich, your dedication to Baldwin High and the student population is second to none. You are a teacher, coach, mentor and friend to all that passed through your hallway. I do believe you created the work outs that included the "Hill" as well as the "330 intervals", which allowed us accomplishments that would have been out of reach. The picture of my parent's maple tree at Maple Leaf Festival is still a family favorite. For your family I am praying that friends will give you comfort, faith will uphold you and memories will help you through this difficult time.
Rick Webb
January 18, 2019
An awesome teacher who held us to high standards and no BS! I learned allot from Mr. Herpich, Astronomy, Algebra, and many of those damn word problems that made us think critically. Not to mention his dedication as cross-country coach and all the other activities he supported. From my point of view, he's a legend and one of the most influential teachers I knew.
Michael Slusser
January 18, 2019
Mr. Herpich was a really good Algebra 1 & 2 that also taught me a good life lesson.
David Carlson
January 18, 2019
It was a shock when I heard of CR's passing , he always had a smile on his face and a kind word. I'm glad I had the pleasure of his friendship and working with him these past 9 years at Kohl's. He will be missed by all that knew him at Kohl's. RIP my friend.
Richard Rodriquez
January 17, 2019
Saddened to hear the news. Learned a lot from C.R. He was probably one of the most patient teachers i had. Great teacher and roll model. Prayers For his family.
David Eckman
January 17, 2019
I'm sure I would never have become an Engineer if it weren't for him. I admired him very much.
Steve Wilson
January 17, 2019
What a brilliant man. I spent many wonderful track events with him in the 1970's. I remember how excited he was to get one of the first HP programmable calculators. He had wonderful dry sense of humor.
Jim Leek
January 17, 2019
Mr. Herpich...I remember having math class with the man back in my freshman year of high school. Brilliant and very unique man who always I could tell loved teaching and capturing the world via some amazing photography work that I would see around his classroom. Thank you for everything sir. Sleep in the light, and be at peace. My well wishes to those who knew him much better than I and are grieving right now.
Will Elniff
January 17, 2019
This news brings me such sadness. Mr Herpich (CR) was such a kind man, wonderful friend and an excellent teacher. He always had a smile on his face every time I saw him. The most recent years have been at Kohls where he worked and blessed people every day he was there. It was always a treat to see him there. Of all the teachers I had over my many years of schooling, he was by far the most impressionable and sincere. He truly cared about his students and their success. I even invited him to my wedding years after graduation. I'm attaching a photo of his wedding gift to me. It has moved many times with me over the years and means a great deal to me. He will certainly be missed by many. David I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending Prayers up for you and your family for comfort and healing.
Amy McLaughiln (Cool)
January 17, 2019
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Funeral services provided by:
Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
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