He is survived by his loving wife Karen (Woodward); sons, Brian (Bonnie), Michael (Lani) and Matt (Haley). He was adored by his grandchildren, Gideon and Lilly. Oldest son to his mother, Judy Peterson; birth father, Fred (Hilda) Hagelstein; and adoptive father, Don Hertzog. Beloved brother to Doug (Rose) Hertzog, Jeff (Vicki) Hertzog and Royce (Sheri) Hagelstein. Additionally, he was a cherished brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, nephew and cousin to countless others who loved him.
Rick was born on May 16, 1952 in Pendleton, OR. He graduated from Woodway High School in 1970 and completed three years at Western Washington State College. He married Karen on June 14, 1974.
In 1976 Rick purchased his first of five A & W restaurants where he touched so many hearts one root beer float at a time. He was a great first employer for hundreds of teenagers, often giving second and third chances where others would not have done so. Friday Night Cruisin’ was the highlight of old and young alike. During his time running the restaurants he and Karen had three sons who grew up frying burgers and pouring frosty mugs of root beer.
In 1992 Rick ventured into a new lifestyle as owner of a travel agency, which would grow into one of the biggest and most respected agencies in the Northwest, earning countless honors and awards for excellence. His humble heart and generous spirit was blessed time and again as his business continued to build and grow even in the most difficult economic times. Rick spent much of his last 20 years sharing his passion for travel and a good deal, often leading groups on cruises and tours to all corners of the earth.
Rick was a beloved member of Creekside Church of Mountlake Terrace and had served as Deacon, Elder and small group leader. He was active in his men’s Bible study as well as Lynnwood Kiwanis. He was an incredible encourager in the lives of his friends, family and employees.
Rick loved the outdoors and enjoyed backpacking with his dad and brothers in his youth. After marriage, Karen and the boys were also included. Rick and Karen have recently enjoyed their tent trailer and were looking forward to a summer of rivers and waterfalls, campfires and friends. He loved fishing with his friends and his sons. He invested in a Lake Chelan condo that gave our family 30 years of incredible memories: bike riding adventures, walks, swimming, fishing, sledding and skiing.
Three years ago Rick contracted spinal meningitis. By all accounts he should not have made it through that illness, but God had other plans and Rick not only survived but made a near full recovery. After that time he lived life to the fullest. He was given the chance to meet his grandchildren, to see his last son married and to cut back his work hours so he could spend more quality time with his beautiful wife and the rest of his family.
Rick’s passing was sudden and unexpected but we take great heart in knowing that he will never again suffer from a migraine, from back pain or his own corny sense of humor. He had the art of the pun down to a science and it lives on through his boys. Rick was so proud of his sons and it was obvious to anyone who spent more than a few minutes with him.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 1:00pm at Creekside Church. Please visit www.thecreeksidechurch.org for address and directions. Additionally, there will be a public viewing available at Acacia Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, March 1 from 12:00-8:00pm. Address and directions are available on this site.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Rick’s name to: www.worldcompkenya.com/ways-to-help.
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