Richard "Dick" Arvin Kok

Richard "Dick" Arvin Kok, age 90, of Champlin, formerly of Park Rapids, MN, passed away on September 8th, 2025 at the Amira Choice Champlin Senior Living located in Champlin, MN. 

Dick was born in Monticello, MN on September 27th, 1934 to Herman and Nellie (Wells) Kok. He graduated from Anoka High School in 1953, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Airforce with four other classmates. He served for four years at Biggs Air Force In El Paso, Texas and was assigned to a mechanical/electrical team that built and tested the Auto-Pilot functionality for the B-36. He flew many trips to Guam testing and troubleshooting the B-36 Auto-Pilot. Upon completion of his service, he enrolled into the Thermo King Refrigeration School and graduated in 1959 and started working for Stan’s Refrigeration and Heating. On September 10th, 1960, he married the love of his life Karen M. Wrabek at the Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church. Dick and Karen bought their first home in Fridley, MN where they lived for 25 years and raised their three children: Kelly, Chris, and Paul. 

Dick was very adept with mechanical systems and was never afraid to get his hands dirty but kept his garage neat and tidy. Over time, he built his first go-cart and snowmobile, rebuilt many engines and repaired multiple cars and “toys”. His last mechanical ingenuity was to fully restore a 1955 Studebaker Speedster. It truly was a work of art and love. In addition, Dick loved the outdoors. He enjoyed duck and geese hunting with his father-in-law Walt and brother-in-law Dr. Thomas Eid, along with many family friends. He and Karen took the family on multiple adventures to Canada, National Parks and camping around Minnesota and Wisconsin. Eventually, they bought the Wrabek family cabin on Stocking Lake in Menahga, MN. The cabin holds a special place in all of our hearts, as it brought family and friends together and was where he and Karen taught their children how to swim, waterski, canoe, snowmobile and fish. He loved music, playing poker, any card game, and was an avid Vikings fan. 

Upon retiring from Embers Restaurants as a Maintenance Engineer for over 20 years, he and Karen, along with many family and friends, built their lake home on Big Sand Lake just north of Park Rapids. Dickand Karen made friends quickly with their new lake neighbors, the Park Rapids Senior Center volunteers, and their Riverside Methodist Church family. He had a strong faith and he and Karen were very active in both the United Methodist Church in Fridley and Riverside Methodist Church in Park Rapids. DIck will be remembered for his great sense of humor, quick wit, and an adventurous spirit and a loving heart; oftentimes referred to as “The Lionheart”. 

Dick will be lovingly remembered by his children: Kelly (Bart) Hanson, Chris Kok, and Paul (Michelle) Kok; his seven dearly loved grandchildren: Jon, Kaitlyn, Zach, Zoey, Brayden, Blake and Addison. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Wounded Warrior Project, or the Audubon Society. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Evan-Nordby Funeral Home in Osseo, MN on October 2nd, 2025; visitation from 5-6 pm, Service at 6 pm followed by a social hour at Lynde’s Restaurant on Hwy. 81 in Osseo.