Robert Rey Garcia
Richard James Mahlke passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday evening September 1, just over a year after being diagnosed with ALS. Rick (James) was born June 23, 1960 to parents Dick and Rhoda (Senechal) Mahlke in Fargo, ND. The family moved to Camarillo, CA when Rick was six weeks old. He attended public schools in Camarillo, graduating from Adolfo Camarillo High School in 1978. Rick spent a year doing youth evangelism work with Shepherd Ministries of Ventura before enrolling at Christ College Irvine-now Concordia University- in Irvine, CA. He earned his BA from CCI in 1983 and pursued his plan of becoming a Lutheran pastor by continuing his graduate studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana the same fall. Rick married the kind Sharon Molnar but they were divorced after 2 years, and Rick did not complete his theological studies program. He taught 7th and 8th grade at a Lutheran school in Watts for two years, and then joined a missionary program of the Lutheran Church and taught English and did evangelism work in Japan for seven years.
During his time in Japan, Rick became more acquainted with Orthodox church doctrine, and he converted to the Orthodox church after returning to the United States. He spent many months living in a monastery in Point Reyes, CA where he savored the quiet life of servanthood and prayer, and particularly enjoyed caring for the chickens- especially when he would warm his cold fingers in their feathers as he gave them their morning grain. As Rick's journey of faith progressed, he realized he desired a more active role in living his faith, so he decided to return to Japan. He lived in Chiba Prefecture working as an English as a Second Language teacher for NOVA for two years as he sought to help with the evangelism ministry of the Orthodox church. After coming back to California, Rick became employed at the Ventura County library system where he enjoyed a 27 year career as a library materials processor. He was a faithful and involved member of St. Hermans Orthodox Church in Oxnard, and always a dedicated volunteer supporting the ministry and work of Saint Barbara Monastery in Santa Paula.
Rick was predeceased by his loving mother, Rhoda Senechal Mahlke, and two infant brothers, Rod William and Reed Daniel. He is survived by his father, Richard R. Mahlke; sister, Rae Lynn Workman (and husband Larry); nephew Micah and niece Malina. Many cousins, co-workers, and friends across the globe also were inspired by his life and grieve over his death. Rick and his family say a heartfelt "Thank You" to all who supported him during the duration of his disease. Thank you for your fervent prayers, and the many cards and notes sharing your memories and love. Rick says: "Thanks to my church friends, relatives, missionary friends, work friends, monastery friends. and the people of Brookhaven Assisted Living and Buena Vista hospice. And a very special thank you to friend and sister in faith, Mary Waian for all her devotion and help during this time. I have so much to be thankful for and give glory to God."
"From this day forth, from this hour, from this minute, let us love God above all and fulfill His holy will." Saint Herman of Alaska
A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 9:00am on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Saint Barbara Monastery, 15799 Ojai Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060. Interment to follow immediately after service.
To sign the family's online guest book please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and locate Richard's name in "Recent Obituaries".
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated ROBERT REY GARCIA JR FUNERAL SERVICES, SANTA PAULA, CA 805.229.7054.
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