Richard Charles Wolken

Dr. Richard Wolken died on December 25, 2020 at the age of 86.  Dr. Wolken was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He moved to Nebraska City, NE in April to be near his youngest daughter, Emily.

Dr. Richard Charles Wolken was born on March 27, 1934 to Albert George and Florence Catherine Becker Wolken and was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis, graduating in 1952.  He completed his pre-optometric education at St. Louis University in 1954.  He received his Bachelor of Science in 1956.  In 1957, he received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Illinois.  

Dr. Wolken started his professional career as an optometrist  inFarmington, MO in 1957.  On October 19 of that year, he married Camille McClard of Farmington, MO.  In 1961, they moved to Columbia, MO, and he was in private practice until his retirement.

Dr. Wolken has been active in Columbia in both civic and church-related activities including President of the School Board for Our Lady of Lourdes parish school, Association of Children with Learning Disabilities, Knights of Columbus and the Kiwanis Club. Dr. Wolken was past president of the Missouri Optometric Association, the Missouri Optometric Foundation, and the Central Missouri Optometric Society.  

His wife, Camille, and he were married for 60 years before she preceded him in death on June 20, 2018.  Their eight children live throughout the country, and he is survived by Susan Autry of Virginia, Bradley Wolken of Missouri, Thomas Wolken of Washington, Anne Broyles of North Carolina, Matthew Wolken of Florida, Margaret Kotal of Washington, Kurt Wolken of Washington, and Emily Wolken of Nebraska.  He has 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Dr. Wolken is preceded in death by his older brother, Donald Wolken of Missouri.  He is survived by his younger brother, Gerald Wolken of Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. 

Services for Dr. Wolken will be held at a later date in Columbia, Missouri, when travel is possible.

Dr. Wolken suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for many years.  Donations to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association in his memory are appreciated.  Gifts can be mailed to PO Box 61420  - Staten Island, NY 10306 or made online at www.apdaparkinson.org/donate

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