Richard M. Narske, 73, Rock Island, went to be with The Lord on Tuesday, May 10 while on a fishing trip in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

A memorial service will be held at First Evangelical Free Church, Moline on June 4 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour before the service.  Memorials may be made to First Evangelical Free Church or to the Quad City Conservation Alliance.

Richard was born July 4, 1942, in Berwyn, Illinois, the son on Norbert and Ethel Norris Narske. He attended Elmwood Park schools, Augustana College, and The University of Iowa, where he earned both master's and doctor of philosophy degrees in organic chemistry. Dick married Karen Smith on June 12, 1965 in Naperville, Illinois.

Dick taught chemistry at The University of Tampa for 10 years. The family moved to Sarasota where Dick worked for the Milton Roy Company in research and development. Missing the classroom connection, Dick accepted a position in the chemistry department of his alma mater, Augustana College. Dick enjoyed over 30 years of teaching at Augustana and especially enjoyed and appreciated remaining in contact with former students. In retirement Dick was able to enjoy fishing trips with his children, visiting family, especially his grandchildren and was always ready and willing to help his daughter with her business.

Dick was an outdoorsman and truly enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a member of The American Chemical Society, the Quad City Conservation Alliance, where he served on the executive board, the Rock Island Conservation Club, Muskies, Inc., In-Fisherman, and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

A member of First Evangelical Free Church, Dick truly loved the The Lord and strove every day to live a life that reflected his strong Christian faith.

Dick is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Dr. Elizabeth Narske, Rock Island; son, Dr. Robert Narske and his wife Fietka, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and grandsons, Raleigh and Emery.  Dick was preceded by his parents; sister, Lois J. Dobosz; and brother, Gerald.

The family would like to thank the staff of Ministry Medical Center of Door County for their understanding and compassionate care. The love and kindness of Rich and Dee Perik, Dennis Smutzer, and Josh Smutzer was a true blessing.

Online condolences may be left at wheelanpressly.com.