Richard Mrstik, age 80 of Shell Knob went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday March 14, 2024. He was born on May 22, 1943, in Oak Park, Illinois to Joseph Mrstik and Marie Linhart Mrstik, who preceded him in death along with a nephew, Joey Mrstik.
Richard graduated from Downers Grove High School, in Downers Grove, Illinois. He married his high school sweetheart, Pat Voris, on November 22, 1961. They have been blessed to spend 62 years together.
Richard is survived by his wife Pat and one brother, Joseph Mrstik and his wife Nancy of Fort Myers, FL, daughter Jill Vaughan and husband Terry, of Shell Knob, MO, a son Rick Mrstik and wife Amy of Sterling, VA, daughter Jennifer Pendergraft and husband Russ, of Purdy, MO, eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one niece and three nephews.
Rich worked as a meat cutter for Jewel Tea CO. until he and Pat purchased a Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavor ice cream store in Downers Grove, Illinois. In 1972 they moved to Shell Knob, Mo and operated JU-MAR-DE Resort, which later became Rustic Manor Resort.
In 1978 they sold the resort and Rich formed R Mrstik Construction. In over 40 years, Rich built over 100 homes in the area. He also built the Garden Room and the Barn Room additions onto the well known STEAK INN Restaurant in Shell Knob.
Rich was an old car enthusiast all his life owning many different makes and models over the years, but his real love was his Corvettes. Rich and Pat along with Ray and Pat Manley organized the first two car shows in the old Tapjac parking lot.
Rich was also a lifelong outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting with his son Rick and grandson Cade. Fishing and hunting expeditions were frequent, including trips to Alaska, Florida, and for nearly 15 years, to Virginia and North Carolina. Closer to home, Rich enjoyed fishing with family at Roaring River and Table Rock. Rich and Pat often took walks in the woods, with a trail in the Piney Creek Wilderness being a favorite in recent years.
Rich surrendered his life to Jesus on August 12, 1980, and served at First Christian Church of Shell Knob as a Deacon and church treasurer for many years until his health prevented him from continuing.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the First Christian Church on Highway 39 in Shell Knob. Pastor Mitch Saylor will be conducting the service.