September 6, 1945 – October 11, 2020
Richard “Dick” Eugene Kroeckel Jr., was born in Indianapolis, Indiana into a family of piano players. Dick was taught to play piano by his aunt and quickly found his calling in ragtime. He started playing professionally in Evergreen, Colorado and soon became part of the Central City Colorado Summer Fun, playing at the historic Tollgate and Glory Hole Bars. In the mid-sixties Dick was summed to play for Uncle Sam. During his time in the Army he worked with entertainment tours in places like Ft. Polk, Louisiana. He also played the church organ for the Army chapels.
After the service he returned to his home once again, this time setting in Georgetown where he was hired as a bartender at the Silver Queen. The owner soon fired the current band and requested for Dick to take over. Dick, once again, was back doing what he does best, telling stories and playing the piano. Dick would remain in Georgetown for the next five years.
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