Richard Dean Schlegel passed away peacefully on January 17, 2023 in Wichita, Kansas with his daughter by his side. Known to most as Poppa, he was born May 19, 1952 in Manhattan, Kansas.

Richard was a teacher at the American Motorcycle Institute in Daytona Beach Florida. He enjoyed riding his Harley, tending to his horses and participating in Civil War re-enactments.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Nicole Rankin and husband Ted of Wichita, Kansas and son, Phillip Schlegel and wife Sarah of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Five grandchildren: Rory, Kaylee, Jason, Jordi and Joey. One sister, Betty Allen and husband Bud and their children: Jimmy, Christine and Ben. He was preceded in death by his parents Velma (Miles) and Benjamin Schlegel. Funeral Services for Richard will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, January 27, 2023 at Danner Funeral Home in Abilene. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6-8PM at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at a later date at New Basel Cemetery, South of Abilene. The family suggests memorials be given to Southeast Volusia Humane Society. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Danner Funeral Home, 501 N. Buckeye, Abilene, Kansas 67410. Online condolences may be sent to www.dannerfuneralhome.net