Ricardo Lopez

Ricardo Garcia Lopez, 54, of Coon Rapids was peacefully called home to his heavenly father on March 24, 2021 after his courageous battle with glioblastoma (brain cancer).

Ricardo was born on August 12, 1966 to R.G. & Rafaela Lopez in Austin, Texas. He graduated from Travis High School and shortly after met the love of his life, Grace Acevedo Lopez. They started a life together and raised their two wonderful sons, Ricardo Reymundo Lopez and Reynaldo Rene Lopez. They were blessed with over 30 years of marriage.

Ricardo was a family man, a man of strong faith, and a servant of the Lord's work. He regularly atteneded Adoration hour at The Church of the Epiphany and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council #10138. He welcomed anyone into his life and lit up the room when he walked in. It was second nature for him to want everyone to enjoy and live in the moments they were having at the time. He loved spending time with his family, coaching sports activities, or cheering them on from the stands. He enjoyed golfing with his sons, attending Carlos Santana concerts, cooking outdoors, and traveling. In his later years he collected comic books and attended several Comic Cons with his family. One of his proudest labels was being "Papa" to his grandchildren Easton and Aubrey. They were extremely loved (spoiled rotten) by "Papa." He spent every precious moment with his grandchildren creating lasting memories.

Ricardo specialized in the hospitality industry. Throughout his career he became a Chef, Food and Beverage Manager, General Manager, and Executive Manager. He enjoyed working at restaurants, hotels, and golf resorts. His career allowed him to meet and interact with many people around the world. Some of his best career moments were: receiving the Key to the City of Bay City, MI, before Madonna, serving top politicians and celebrities at the St. Paul RiverCentre, mentoring many of his employees and building lifelong friendships along the way. Through his career he was able to impact community groups such as the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce and the West Side Boys and Girls Club. He enjoyed every minute of service. The last days of his career were spent at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota.

Ricardo is survived by the love of his life, Grace; sons, Ricardo and Rey; grandchildren, Easton and Aubrey; mother, Rafaela Lopez; brothers, Roman Lopez III (Camilla), Rodolfo Lopez, Rogelio Lopez, Roland Lopez, and Juan Ramon Lopez; sister in laws, Bonnie and Frances Acevedo; brother in laws Gilbert Acevedo Jr. and Faustino Acevedo (Christine); and several nieces and nephews whom all carried a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his father Roman. G. (R.G.) Lopez, sister Rebecca Nice, father-in-law Gilbert V. Acevedo and mother-in-law Margaret M. Acevedo.

Visitation will be held at Ballard Funeral Home on Thursday April 8th 2021, from 11AM-4PM . There will be a Rosary at 10:30 A.M.. on Friday April 9, 2021 at St. Peters Catholic Church in Roswell, New Mexico. Immediately followed by mass at 11:00 A.M.. There will be a grave sight service following the mass at South Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Rich Branham, Adrian Gallindo, Andy Lauck, Roger Lopez, Dan Rovnak, an Michael Turnipseed.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Faustino Acevedo, Gilbert Acevedo, Daniel Lopez, Rodolfo Lopez, Roman Lopez and Manuel Ramirez.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Roger Lopez, Randy Sampson and Canterbury Park, Keith Reardon and Morrissey Hospitality Incorporated, Abbot North Western Hospital, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Allina Home Health and Allina Hospice, especially Consuelo Chillman, Jason Lano, Kathy Krekelberg, Kathleen Burns, and Leo Guzman for taking great care of Ricardo over the last 16 montsh. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Brain Cancer Society.