Richard L. Lohse, 81, of Columbia passed away Wednesday, May 24th after a short illness. Visitation will be Thursday, June 1st from 4-7pm at memorial Funeral Home 1217 Business Loop 70 West Columbia. Funeral services will be 2:30pm, Friday June 2nd at the funeral home followed by burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Richard was born June 19, 1941 in Cooper County to Roy and Irene Klekamp Lohse. In 1959, he graduated from Hickman High School. A few years after high school, in 1963, he was drafted into the US Army and served in the Korean War. After his military service, he worked for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Washington. While living there, he built and ran is own drag car locally at the Puyallup DragWay and earned an N.W. AHRA Championship. He always had a love for cars, racing, and was an excellent mechanic. After he returned to Missouri, he worked for Jim Adams and Big-E in Columbia. After leaving there, he opened his own business, Lohse Enterprises, and built drive shafts and could fix any mechanical problem. He also worked for TNN Sports, covering racing events. Later, he opened his own machine shop, specializing in drive lines. Outside of his mechanical achievements he was very proud of his military service and his time on the Honor Flight.
He is survived by his daughter, Wendy Lohse; a brother, Charles (Carolyn) Lohse of Columbia; a granddaughter, Caleigh Cockrell of Columbia; nephews, Corey (Christina) Lohse and Casey Lohse; as well as many friends and racing fans. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Lohse family.
