On Sunday Oct 22.2023 Ralph Richard Gottschammer passed away unexpectedly in Flagstaff, AZ at the age of 52. Rich was born on April 16th  1971 to Celestine (Tina) F. Rowden and Ralph (Butch) Gottschammer in Camp LeJeune, NC

Rich being born into the military family, A Marine he was going to be. He even tried enlisting at 16 until the recruiter discovered his age and returned him home.

In 1989, a dream finally became reality, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He was a natural and blazed through the Fire & Rescue, later beginning his post in the Military Police Department. Rich was honorably discharged as a decorated marine in 1994. After serving his country, he then returned home to Illinois where he gained employment with Amarillo Hardware……..eventually landing him in Flagstaff in 2001.

Rich met Shannon in 2005 and they were married in 2007. He Became blessed with two daughters the following years. 2010 was a taxing year, as his father-in-law passed, leaving them the family business, Kingsmark Kennels. Rich and Shannon accepted the challenge, successfully turning the pet resort into a thriving business that paved the way for years of success.

He is survived by his wife Shannon (Kavanagh) Gottschammer of 18 years and his two beautiful Daughters Taylor Marie Gottschammer, and Morgan Renee Gottschammer, his mother Celestine (Tina) F. Rowden, Father Ralph (Butch) Gottschammer, Stepmother Sandra (Bass) Gottschammer, Mother-in-law Patrica Kavanagh and Half-Brother David Gottschammer as well as many cousins, aunts and uncles.

Rich loved the great outdoors, hunting, riding motorcycles, and traveling.  He spent many years touring the country with the Star Motorcycle group, as well as showing unwavering support for The Nations of Patriots. He touched many lives along the way and truly enjoyed giving back to the community, whether it was personal or business. Though it was his knack for business was truly one of kind. He enjoyed the challenge of continual improvement while mastering the industry, regardless of what it was. His drive, integrity, and self-determination truly inspired others.

Rich was a fair and honest man who will be missed beyond words.

A open house style celebration of an exceptional life will be held on November 6th 2023 from 5pm to 7pm at Norvel Owens Mortuary. Military honors to be rendered at 5:15.