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Richard “Rick” Allen Kochuyt, Jr.

July 16, 1956-August 10, 2025

 

Richard “Rick” Allen Kochuyt, Jr. of Leawood, KS, passed away peacefully at Kansas City Hospice House on August 10, 2025. Born in Moline, Illinois on July 16, 1956, Rick was the son of Mary Kay (Glynn) DeCoster and Richard (Dick) Kochuyt. He graduated from Moline High School in 1974 and St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa in 1979. In 2001, he married Mary Widmer, in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

Professionally, Rick built a successful career in commercial real estate, specializing in the acquisition, development, and sale of high-traffic retail locations.  He and his partners owned and developed retail properties throughout the greater Kansas City area. Rick’s warmth, humor and gift for making others feel valued ensured his friendships and professional connections endured for decades.

 

Rick was also a gifted tennis player. His passion for tennis began early and lasted throughout his life. He played in high school, attended college on a tennis scholarship and taught many people to play the game during and after college. He rarely visited the Quad Cities without running into someone he taught to play many years ago. While Parkinson’s made it impossible to continue to be competitive, he maintained his love for the game. 

 

Rick's accomplishments were surpassed only by the life he built with family and friends. He cherished his time with them, whether traveling, dining out, watching sports or playing tennis. If Rick was there, laughter was sure to follow along with stories that would be retold for years.  

 

Rick met his Parkinson’s diagnosis with the same optimism, humor and determination that defined his life. For over ten years, he faced the disease head-on, never letting it diminish his passion for living life to the fullest.  

 

Rick had been involved with many organizations over the years and currently served on the Board of Trustees of The Parkinson’s Foundation Heartland. He was also a devoted member of Visitation Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO, where he had served as a lector and eucharistic minister.

 

Rick is survived by his wife Mary Widmer; son Mitchel (Karla) Kochuyt; grandchildren Khloe, Matthew, and Noah (Miami, FL); siblings Kim Kochuyt (Moline, IL), Todd (Mindy) Kochuyt (Overland Park, KS), Scott (Brycie) Kochuyt (Rock Island, IL), JoBeth (Mike) Ethington (Rock Island, IL), and Ethan (Scott Hicke) DeCoster (Seattle, WA); brother-inlaw Mark (Danielle) Widmer (Brunswick, MO) and sister-in-law Marla Laidler (Chillicothe, MO); and many nieces and nephews whom he adored.

 

A visitation will be held starting at 10:00am on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025, at Visitation Catholic Church, 5141 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112.  A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Rick’s honor to Parkinson’s Foundation or Kansas City Hospice House.
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Visitation
Location:
Visitation Catholic Church
Address:
5141 Main St.
City:
Kansas City
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64112
Date of Service:
Aug 13, 2025
Time of Service:
10:00 am
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Additional Service:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Visitation Catholic Church
Address:
5141 Main St.
City:
Kansas City
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64112
Date of Service:
Aug 13, 2025
Time of Service:
11:00 am
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Gale Caples Aug 11, 2025

Friend ,St Joseph ,Missouri

So very sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. He always had a smile + a hug when I saw him . He will be missed by so many . I will remember him + his family in my prayers.

Bruce Van Maanen Aug 11, 2025

Friend ,Omaha ,Nebraska

So sorry to hear this! Always enjoyed my trips to KC for tennis & conversations! Always so positive and fun to be around. Sherry and I are sending prayers and positive thoughts to Family and Friends!

Jen Korf Aug 11, 2025

Friend ,Blue Springs ,Missouri

I send my deepest condolences to Rick’s family. I have so many fond memories of Rick from the various clubs and events we tennis crazy fools frequented. Rick always sported a smile and a story. On a more serious note, Rick offered unexpected kindness at a time my life had run into a pier. Many blessings to Rick’s family. I’m very sorry.

Terry Miller Aug 12, 2025

tennis friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Rick. He always had a smile on his face and a nice comment to make. He was a delight to see on the court or club. I have missed this over the passed few years. I know the pain will never go away but time does help to ease that. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He will always be remembered. Sincerely, Terry & Doug Miller

Karen Jones Aug 12, 2025

Scott Hicke’s Mother ,Ardmore ,Pennsylvania

So sorry to hear of your loss. Ethan also spoke so highly of Rick. Rick and the family will be in my prayers

Chris Cox Aug 12, 2025

Tennis friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I’m saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. I admired Rick as a friend, his compassionate and business accomplishments. I was a teammate and rival of Rick’s for many years. He will be remembered with loving thoughts.

Dave and Kim Milligan Aug 12, 2025

Business associate and dear fried ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Mary and family, our hearts reach out to you and yours during this difficult time. We all have so many fond memories of Rick and his humor. May his loving memories help carry you through this most difficult time. May he rest in peace. Much love.

Steven Wicks Aug 12, 2025

Friend ,Moline ,Illinois

My deepest sympathies, Rick was a great friend and to my brother and a good friend of our family.

Ann C. Porter Aug 12, 2025

Friend and Business Relationship ,KANSAS CITY ,Missouri

Dear Mary and family of Rick , I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Rick. He was not only a valued business associate in the real estate, but also a dear friend, whose laughter and warmth brought joy to those around him. Rick was always there when you needed him. He was very quick to provide information and support. His positive spirit made every conversation fun. He always spoke so highly of Mary and his family many times in our conversations. He was a true fighter through his Parkinson’s diagnosis and I will always cherish the memories of our time together. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rest in peace Rick.

Huntington Terrie Aug 12, 2025

Friend of Mary ,Fairway ,Kansas

My sincere condolences to you and your family and loved one’s. Praying for you during this very sad time.