Born January 17, 1951 in Pekin to Walter F. and Ruth (Hopkins) Aper, he married Alice Miller in 1975 in Pekin.
Surviving are his mother, Ruth Topper of Pekin; one daughter, Tracy Aper of Pekin; two grandsons, Austin (Misha) Spencer and Keegan Mack, both of Pekin; one great-grandson, Kaden Spencer of Pekin; and one sister, Cathy (Dana) Crawford of Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his father; one son, Sean Richard Aper; and one sister, Gail Day.
Rick served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Army.
He retired from Caterpillar, Inc. on July 1, 2003 after 33 years of faithful service.
Rick loved to hunt and fish. He also loved his precious dog, Jessie.
Cremation rites will be accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. There will be no funeral or visitation.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team at 100 Taps Ln. Pekin, IL 61554.
