Richard "Buzzy" A. Dropik

Richard “Buzzy” Anton Dropik, age 89, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, at the Assured Living Senior Care house in Parker, Colorado, where he was lovingly cared for in his final months, and with the services of Optimal Hospice in his final days.

Mass of Christian Burial is at 2 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria with Fr. Matthew Kuhn officiating. Interment will take place at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery Columbarium with full military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and the Veterans Memorial Honor Guard.

Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church.

Richard was born on February 12, 1936, in Garfield, to Anton “Tony” and Ida Dropik (née Swella). He was the fourth of ten children. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from nearby Alexandria High School. While in school, he worked with his family on the farm. After graduation, he joined the Army. He served around the world, including time in Korea and two tours in Vietnam during the war. He also served in Alaska and Europe. After 24 years of service and multiple commendations and awards, he retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 and continued his career as a mechanical engineer and project manager for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve while living in Destrehan, Louisiana.

Among his many accomplishments, Richard was a life member of the Knights of Columbus as well as a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland.

While stationed in France, Richard married Giselle Becu. They welcomed three children: Nadine, Richard “Rick”, and Dave. Richard worked hard and also made the most of his time off, enjoying gardening, dancing, and working in his shop. He loved classical music.

After their kids were grown, Richard and Gisele divorced. Richard then married his Alexandria High School sweetheart, Marlys Schmidt, and welcomed her adult children into his life: Mark and Elizabeth.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Arlene (Richard) Thoennes, Shirley (Henry) Kluver, and Betty (Charles) Yeutter; brother Willis “Bill”; and brothers-in-law, Arnold Thoennes, Basil Hartman, and Roman Koep.

Richard is survived by his wife, Marlys Dropik; sisters, Beverly Thoennes, Patty Hartman, Diane Dropik, and Judy Koep; brother, Dale (Joanne) Dropik; three children, Nadine, Richard “Rick” (Brenda), and Dave; two stepchildren, Mark and Elizabeth; three grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria.