Richard Kump

Richard Jay Kump, 94, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, April 13, 2020.

He was born Oct. 31, 1925, in Pocatello, Idaho, one of five children.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy as a sonar operator aboard a submarine rescue vessel. After the war, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Idaho State College and did graduate studies in Switzerland, gaining expertise in German and French. While he worked as a Counter Intelligence Corps translator for the U.S. Army in Salzburg, Austria, he met Gardis Fietz, one of a pair of twins who were soloists at the Landestheater (National Dance Theater). Richard and Gardis married and had two daughters.

When the family moved back to the U.S., Richard earned a Master of Arts in Foreign Language Education from Saint Louis University. He then began teaching German and French at Southeast Missouri State College, where he was a professor. Richard earned his doctorate in education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

He shared his passion for German culture and heritage in the community by co-founding a German club that held dinners and dances. He was also a member of St. Mary's Cathedral, where he served as a lector for many years. After touching the lives of countless students, Richard retired from Southeast Missouri State University.

Richard is survived by a sister; two daughters, Tina and Maria; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Gardis Kump, his wife of more than 50 years, and by two sisters and a brother.

A memorial service will be planned later this summer.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.