Richard Casper Flock, 82, of Sparta, Wis., formerly of Norwalk, Wis., passed away peacefully Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta, WI. Rich was born July 7, 1941, to William and Elizabeth (Karl) Flock in Norwalk.  

After graduating from high school, Rich established Flock’s Standard Station in his hometown of Norwalk. As both the owner and operator, Rich’s full-service station became a local landmark, and he proudly kept its doors open for over four decades. His work ethic and commitment to his customers were the driving forces behind the business’s enduring success.  Upon retiring, he continued to stay connected to the car industry by delivering parts for Carquest.

Rich married his best friend, Rose (Hyatt), on July 5, 1997.  He gained two sons and a daughter whom he loved dearly and cared for them like they were his own. Also inheriting grandchildren was a bonus to Rich because that meant he would have more sporting events to go and watch.

Rich’s life was deeply rooted in his faith. A faithful member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Norwalk, he carried his devotion with him when he moved to Sparta, becoming an active member of St. Patrick’s Church. Rich also was a dedicated member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Community service was another cornerstone of Rich’s life, demonstrated by his long-standing membership in the Lions Club. Rich’s community benefitted greatly from his commitment to service and his ever-present smile.

He was an avid bowler; he cherished the times he could share a lane with friends and family. The golf course was another of Rich’s favorite pastimes.  His love for games didn’t stop there; card games and shaking dice were among his favorite ways to pass the time, often surrounded by laughter and good-natured competition — for your quarters.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Rich’s heart belonged to the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears, teams he followed with dedication and hope. In his younger days, he was a passionate baseball player, and his love for the game endured as he transitioned from player to an avid spectator, never missing a chance to watch his grandsons play.

Rich is survived by his children, Douglas (Kerry) Flock of Cashton and Tricia (Paul) Meyer of Sparta; a daughter-in-law, Sheri Flock of Sparta, Wis.; nine grandchildren, Joshua Bouchette, Hayley Bouchette, Becky (Myron) Erickson, Mallory (Jesus) Ramirez, Lacey (Craig) DeBoer, David Roberts, Helen Flock, Brandan (Kaitlin) Meyer, and Bryant (Rachel) Meyer; his sisters- and brothers-in-law, Cecile Flock, Dorothy Flock, James (Betsy) Hyatt, Judy VanKirk, Janis Hyatt, Judy Hyatt, and Carol (Jim) Vieth; along with many great-grandchildren; a few great-great-grandchildren; other relatives; and friends.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose, in 2015; a son, Michael Jerome Flock; his brothers, James, Paul, Albert (Charlotte), Bernard, Jerome, Mary Jane (Alois) Artz, and Geraldine Flock; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Roger Hyatt, Yvonne (Ormie) Mack, and Reginald (Dyanne) Hyatt. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 8, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Norwalk, Wis.  Father Eric Berns will officiate.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Family and friends are invited for visitation on Monday, July 8, beginning at 8:45 a.m., with praying the rosary followed by visitation from 9–11 a.m., all at the church in Norwalk.

The Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.