Richard “Dick” Tschappat, 75, of Oregon, Ohio passed away Friday, February 8, 2008 at Bay Park Community Hospital. He was born on February 15, 1932 in Sylvania, Ohio. Our father was a Patriot whom served in the United States Army proudly during the Korean War (1950-1952), he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Regiment, 24th infantry division under Lt. Colonel Charles B. Smith. This division was formulated and placed in immediate operation under the direct orders of General Douglas McArthur and become known as Operation Task Force Smith. This unit was a mix of infantry, mortar, communications, artillery and small transport personnel in all totaling 406 soldiers. These were the 1st Americans to arrive in Korea on June 30,1950 with the primary mission to slow down or delay the movement of the North Korean army and protect the port of Puson and did so even with the loss of 156 brave men over the 1st 24 hours. Through the valiant efforts of this small but brave group of U.S soldiers they received a unit citation from our President Nixon and our father received the Bronze Star for bravery. He was currently working at New Mather Metals as a machine repairman for the last 16 years and was a member of the UAW Local #12. We are grateful for the honor of calling you DAD and you will be missed by all Papa.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Beverly (Clark), children: Terry (Eunice) Tschappat, Mike (Betty) Tschappat, Macy (Beth) Tschappat, Kelly Tschappat, Kim Tschappat, Mike (Holly) Welling, Jennifer (David) Eppstein and Michelle (John) Draeger; and grandchildren: Emily, Josh, Hannah, McKenzie, Brianna, Michael, Chris, Jacob, Madison, Kelsey and Michael.
Friends may visit Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd. in Oregon (419) 693-9304, on Sunday, February 10, 2008 from 2-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday in the funeral home at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Donor’s Choice.
