September 4, 1947 - April 22, 2020
We are saddened beyond explanation to have lost our Dad, Daddy, Papa, Childhood Sweetheart, Brother, and Uncle. He was the kindest, most gentle man anyone could know; and he was our pillar, our stability. Whenever there was a need, he took people in and made them a part of his family. He was a mentor, teacher, and a Father figure to many. And, he was a friend to everyone he met.
He faced the dire prognosis of a rare blood cancer, BPDCN, with courage, calmness and strength from his unwavering relationship with his Creator, Jehovah God and his hope in the resurrection to a paradise earth to be with his family again.
He is survived by those who will miss his warm smile and contagious laugh: his wife Marie of 53 years, daughter Lara, son Aaron (Minna), 2 grandsons Nathan and Matthew, 2 sisters Joyce Swanson and Judy Fisher (Bill), and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Ewald and Viola Gruenke, his grandson Luukas, and his mother-in-law Mary Soare.
Rick was also survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law who viewed him as their real brother: Gloria (Steve) Loeppky, Janice (Stearns)Hodge, Carol (Patrick) Tannhauser, Kevin (Marion) Soare.
A Memorial service will be held via Zoom Video-conferencing on Saturday May 2 at 2 pm.
Please contact the family for details.