I read this with great sadness.  

I once worked with a great bunch of people in CA, one of them was Kerri.   Through Kerri, I met Rick.  I remember him fondly as a really good and smart  guy who had the courage of his convictions and moved from CA, a long time before that was a  popular thing to do. 

Their love for the City of Saint Louis was natural and complete.  From them I learned all about Drew’s Frozen Custard and much more. 

The world is lesser darker place without him in it.  

John Dockery
ORA

Thinking of Rick and the Bonasch family. Rick left us too soon and he is missed. I have him and his loved ones in my thoughts.

Kerri,

We'll miss Rick and his guitar-playing at NiNi's annual Dec. 23rd Christmas caroling party and at the annual Run for the Hills at the corner of Walsh St. & Clifton Ave. But we hope to see you at both events for many years to come!

Roman Kordal & NiNi Harris

Beth,  My heart aches for you. . You're in my 
Thoughts and Prayers,  sending you Love and Light.


Dear Kerri in memory of Rick,

I remember back to the days of you both dating.  He would travel up from the Bay Area to see his Kerri.  Those were memory filled days. And then came the celebration of many years to follow. What a joy when Matt arrived. He gave so much to all of us through the years.  We will cherish him forever!

Much love,

Mary & Bruce




10-27-22.    Rick was the youngster at Rise, with or following Jim Lutz whom I had known for decades.  I conferred with Rick about using the "Selective Rehab" approach to affordable rental housing and healthy community development that I had used at Neighborhood Enterprises for decades.   

In 2019 when Jim Lutz and I began reviving this strategy. Rick  succinctly said, "What is needed are viable projects and viable nonprofit developers."  

On Oct. 28, Sanctuary IN the Ordinary, the nonprofit partner to N.E., and several others nonprofits, are submitting a proposal to the Affordable Housing Commission that says, "We are those viable nonprofits and we have viable projects we will do if there is modest   financing support from the AHC".  We are asking that $2 million be dedicated for this and that the the money be called the "Rick Bonasch Memorial Fund".            Jim Roos

I knew Rick through RISE and before that through RHCDA. He was a critical component of both organizations’ tireless community development efforts over so many years. It’s wonderful to see his passion for St. Louis expressed in this memorial. St. Louis has lost a true believer and champion of our community. 

Whenever I had an opportunity to work with Rick, he was always so supportive.  He deeply cared about making neighborhoods better in the St. Louis region.  His dedication toward community development was always a great example.  

Condolence and prayers to his family.

Stephen Ibendahl

Very sad to here of the passing of such a great human being. One of the best "hockey dad's" that I have ever met.
Daniel and Patty Coll and family.

The first day I met Rick I was interviewing for an internship at Rise and he gave me a passionate speech on why STL is the greatest place on earth and how he couldn’t imagine why I would ever live anywhere else after grad school! That same day he told me the #1 person I needed to meet was the President  of a CDC in the Ville - not only did he introduce us but I later succeeded her as the President  (with Rick’s full support).  Years later,  I also worked at Rise (with Rick campaigning relentlessly for them to hire me!). For a decade after we met, I spent countless days and hours with Rick exploring STL neighborhoods and buildings and dreaming big about what small part we could play in the city’s evolution. He gave me history (and life) lessons, showed me hidden treasures of the region, and supported any and every aspect of my work. He even put up with me using his office for my plants because he had a window!  Rick carried so much joy and laughter. I can’t imagine this world without him but I’m grateful we all were blessed by and have the opportunity to carry on his incredible and brilliant spirit. We are sending so much love to Kerri,  Matt, Gus, and the entire family. 

Rest in peace, brother!  What a beautiful soul.  You shared your gifts with such generosity and joy.  It was such a privilege to know you.

I have many good memories of Uncle Rick. He was a great Uncle to have that is for sure. I remember playing catch with him in the backyard as a kid. He and aunt Kerri bought me my first baseball mitt. I also remember his love of a funny or entertaining movie. I saw the movie spaceballs with Uncle Rick. I remember afterwards how he latched on to his favorite line in the movie. ( May the Schwartz be with you) I remember him repeating that line over and over and laughing his "Rickish" laugh with great enthusiasm. I remember his generosity. He once took me and my brother Jake to the a very expensive restaurant in San Francisco. He just wanted us to have the experience, because we had never been to a place like that before. I also remember his love of St Louis and all the history and architecture of the city. He was always excited to give a tour of the city whenever anyone was in town. One of my favorite ( Rick tours) was a few years back now. It was Christmas in St Louis and I was there along with some other family members. Uncle Rick wanted to show us every Christmas light in Saint Louis. Grandma Ellie was still alive then. I remember picking her up from the nursing home and getting her into the van in her wheel chair. Little did grandma know... she was in for the ride of her life ! I remember the wheel chair lurching violently forwards and backwards.... as Uncle Rick sped through the streets of St Louis screeching to a halt when a nice light display came into view. The halts were very brief however... he would give a few comments about the lights.... that section of the city ... perhaps the architecture... and without warning he would violently hit the gas pedal and we were off to another light display in some other part of the city. I think we did see every Christmas light in St Louis that night. Grandma looked like she had been in a wind tunnel.  Despite the high speeds , I must say we all had a wonderful time , Uncle Rick was an amazing person. I will miss him .

I will always remember being a kid and zooming around the bay area listening to Dire Straights or some other awesome music. Going to Roller skating rinks and Giants games. You will be greatly missed Uncle Rick, and may you be at piece and enjoy your time with the Lord.


Our deepest condolences go out to Kerri and Matt and their family and to the countless people that were fortunate enough to count  Rick as a friend or work associate.  Rick was an unbelievably patient, generous, and kind person and taught our son Joey how to play guitar and asked that we donate to the church music program instead of paying him.  He helped foster a love of music in Joey that will be a part of him forever.   He enthusiastically sponsored Joey’s confirmation in 8th grade and when Joey gave him a thank you gift piece of art that he made, Rick made Joey feel like he was giving him a Rembrandt.   We were blessed to have met Rick and gotten to know him, he had a lasting impact on our family and left a legacy throughout St. Louis area.  He was a very special man and will be missed by our community.

This is a favorite photo of mine of Kerri and Rick, we were freezing outside of the St. Gabe’s fish fry but still, always, having a good time. I think of the many times Rick would call me in the afternoon and tell me what they were cooking for dinner and ask me to join them, I have been on the receiving end of their combined kindness more times than I can count and feel nothing but gratitude. I will miss the Rickster, he and Kerri have always treated me like family, a testament to their remarkable spirits.

I’m so glad that I got to see Kerri in 2019 in my hometown in Michigan  (after at least 20 years) and meet Rick for the first time.  What a wonderful couple! Their neighborhood in St. Louis reflects the love that people like them have for their city and each other —Carla & Andy

Our heartfelt sympathy in this time of grief.  Rick was a good man with a great legacy in Kerri and Matt.  Much love and prayers to you all. 



Dear friend, you will be so missed by our family. Thank you for such a beautiful friendship. You will always be in our hearts and loving memory. It’s very hard to lose friend like you. Rest In Peace beautiful soul! 

Dear friend, you will be missed so much in our life.We will have you in our hearts and loving memory forever. It’s very hard to lose friend like you.  Rest In Peace beautiful soul! 

Almost all of my experiences with Rick have been at their house during one of Kerri’s  wine and chocolate vendor events.  What always struck me about Rick is his calmness, patience and passion.    He never seemed in a rush when talking to me.  We talked about beer, music and cooking and I appreciated that even though there were others that he knew well milling about he didn’t seem to be in a rush to move on.   He always gave me the impression he was a really good listener and always seemed genuinely interested in our conversation.   I hope the community continues to feel his presence and his family continues to feel his love and guidance.

Rick was such a beautiful gentle patient soul! He set many examples of that in his life! Thanks God for the time we shared with him! 🫶🙏 

Rick’s passing has hit me hard. We had worked together for a few years at the Saint Louis Development Corporation.  My every memory of Rick is one in which he was without exception kind, friendly and smiling.  My most sincere condolences to Kerri and Ricks family and close friends.  I grieve also for the City of Saint Louis, my home, as it has lost a passionate defender.  

Thomas Pike
Tower Grove East 

It seems as though I knew Rick forever, since I have been a City employee for  over 27 years.  He was a thoughtful, intelligent, dedicated employee.  

My heart and prayers go out to his family and his many friends on his passing. 

Kathryn Woodard
NIS
City of St. Louis

Rick and I shared a love of our dogs and politics. We always agreed about dogs but seldom about politics. Nevertheless, for two decades we shared our views with respect and good humor. His friendship was a great gift. I will miss him and our talks very much.

Dear Kerri, Matt, Kendall, and Gus,

We extend our sincere sympathy to you and the rest of your family. We were saddened to learn of Rick's/Dad's death and will remember him and all of you in our prayers.

Rick, I enjoyed getting to know you through our connections to Matt via DuBourg High School. And, I loved making music with you in Hit List. Thank you for these memories, and Godspeed.

Mike and Chris Bahr

I first met Rick over 25 years ago when we both worked at St. Louis City development agencies. I always deeply appreciated Rick's dedication to and passion for our City. Every time we crossed paths over the years, even briefly, we discussed details of what was happening in City neighborhoods, projects, redevelopment of historic areas and buildings, etc. I am terribly sad that he did not have more time with his new grandson (and the rest of us) but feel fortunate to have known such a thoughtful, compassionate, intelligent man who applied his talents to building a better community for us all.  I will miss our conversations, his humor, and his example of one who truly loved St. Louis. 

The St. Louis Association of Community Organization (SLACO)family is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of long-time community development professional Rick Bonasch. Rick held SLACO close and we cherished the time he freely gave to SLACO. Rick was a former member of the SLACO Board of Directors and a long standing member of the SLACO Regional Neighborhoods Conference Planning Committee. The SLACO family is praying for strength and peace for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Kerri, you were the best wife, partner and caregiver Rick could have had and he knew it. He loved you and Matt so much. I hope you will find comfort in the warm memories of a lifetime.

OBITUARY

Rick Bonasch

March 2, 1959 – October 19, 2022

Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services