Rick was born on May 9, 1961, in Redlands, California, to Elmer and Leta Wielenga. Rick lived in Redlands on the family dairy, where he and his brother got into all kinds of mischief, until he was 18 years old. Rick attended Redlands Christian School and Ontario Christian High School in his formative years.
After high school Rick attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo until he eventually transferred to be closer to home.
In 1982, Rick moved to Colorado with his parents where they purchased a dairy farm. The Colorado dairy turned out to be quite an adventure. The family eventually moved back to California and Rick tried his hand at plastering for this brother in law, Ron.
While working for Ron, Rick met the love of his life Geri. The couple was married on August 17, 1991. Rick had dairy farming in his blood and once again started working on a dairy in Chino with his longtime friend and business partner Ben Slegers. After two years in Chino the opportunity presented itself for Rick and Geri to move to Hobbs, New Mexico and start a new dairy. While in Hobbs, Rick and Geri were blessed with two sons, Kevin Jacob and Chad Houston. The family spent 10 years in Hobbs where they made many friends and great memories during those years.
In 2003, the family packed up their belongings, cows and all, and moved to Buttonwillow, CA. Rick loved dairy life and his work ethic was unmatched. Rick enjoyed streamlining the dairy processes, working with numbers and creating beneficial changes. Living on the dairy allowed the boys to experience life through a unique lens, which allowed Rick to see his boys grow and explore. Rick loved watching his boys grow up and enjoyed all the adventures they experienced together.
In 2012, Geri was diagnosed with ALS. Rick was by her side and was her faithful caregiver until her death in June of 2013. Following Geri’s passing, Rick said no one could ever replace Geri, “When you have had the best, nothing else will do”.
In the years after Geri passed, Rick continued to raise their two boys. Kevin eventually moved to Idaho where he currently resides. Chad attended San Diego State University after High School and graduated in May with a degree in Biology.
Over the last few years Rick developed a love of camping. Rick would take any opportunity he could to get out and explore. Rick often traveled alone with no timeline or destination. Rick always found his way to water; he would often send pictures of himself overlooking the ocean. It was his way of letting us know he was safe. As time passed, camping became a family event and Rick would travel to the campsites with Debbie and Gerrit. Rick used his motorized bicycle to get out on his own and maintain his independence. Great memories were created during those times.
On June 11, 2020, Rick’s year long battle with cancer ended. Rick is survived by his sons, Kevin and Chad.
The family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers over the last year. And ask that you continue to pray for the family as they adjust to life without Rick.
