Rick Schorzman

Rick L. Schorzman was born November 6, 1951 in Benkelman, Nebraska to Robert and Doris (Wiley) Schorzman. He grew up and attended school in Haigler, Nebraska graduating from Haigler High School in 1970. He enjoyed football, basketball and track during his high school years.

After high school he attended Nebraska Technical College in Milford, Nebraska graduating in 1971 with a degree in Motor Vehicle Technology. After college graduation he worked at White Machine and Motor in Goodland, Kansas until 1973.

In October of 1973, Rick married Deb Smith in Haigler, Nebraska. Rick and Deb made their home in Deb’s hometown of Wray, Colorado. At that time Rick went to work for Charlie Adamson as a mechanic.

Gary Stone later appointed Rick as his Deputy Clerk and Recorder. Gary and Rick spent their coffee breaks with the guys at the Sheriff’s office. That is when Sheriff Bob Murphy lured Rick into coming to work for him as a deputy. Rick had finally found his true calling in law enforcement and started his 38 year career serving the citizens of Yuma County.

Rick graduated with honors from the Colorado Law Enforcement Academy in Golden, Colorado in 1979.

Rick eventually left the Yuma County Sheriff’s Department and joined the Wray Police Department. Working his way up the ranks he became the Chief of Police of the City of Wray and served the City of Wray for 16 years.

Sheriff Bruce Zulauf convinced Rick to come back to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Department where Rick served until 2013.

Rick’s pride and joy was his daughter, Heather, born in 1974. A few years down the road Heather blessed him with two grandchildren, Katie and Corey. They were the love of his life.

Over the years Rick was active in Jaycees, as a D.A.R.E. instructor, EMT for the Wray Ambulance, River City Cruisers and road with the Patriot Guard Riders.

He enjoyed many activities during his lifetime, hunting, fishing, trapping, NASCAR, fast cars and fast motorcycles. He looked forward each year to the annual trip to Kansas City Race Way with his brother, Danny.

Rick and Deb owned and operated Schorzman Small Engine Repair part-time for many years.

He suffered many major health issues over the years but he always came out the winner and came back strong. He lost the final battle on June 28 at his home in Wray with his wife at his side.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Bob and Doris.

Those left behind to celebrate his life are his wife, Deb; daughter, Heather and husband, Larry Schiferl of Evans, Colorado; grandchildren, Katie Lynn Rogers of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Corey Rogers of Evans, Colorado; sister, Kathie and husband, Ron Fry of Alliance, Nebraska; brothers, Bob and wife Laverne of Tucson, Arizona; Dan and wife, Deb of Benkelman, Nebraska; mother and father-in-law, Frank and Shirley Smith of Wray.  And a host of other family members and friends all of which were dear to Rick.

Rick is now riding that Harley in the wind.

He passed away Saturday, June 28, 2014 in Wray, Colorado. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at the Wray United Methodist Church, 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Norman Stott officiating. Interment was held in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray, Colorado. Memorials may be made to the Wray Volunteer Fire Department. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.