Richard Bednarek Jr.
April 03, 1960 — January 25, 2024
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Service Details
Richard James Bednarek, Jr., 63, passed away January 25, 2024 from heart complications. He was born April 3, 1960 in North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to his parents, Richard and Gloria (Warner) Bednarek, Sr.
Rick graduated from St. Mary’s Springs High School and earned his Bachelors of Science from University of Wisconsin at River Falls. He married Elizabeth VanSomeren in 1986 and they had two beautiful daughters, Hannah and Kelly. Rick worked for the Natural Resource Conservation Service as a soil scientist in Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa. He retired in 2019 after 33 years of service.
Rick was always athletic and enjoyed many different sports. After playing football at the University of Wisconsin at River Falls, he became an avid golfer and bicyclist. Rick’s greatest joy came from spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
Rick is survived by his wife of 38 years, Elizabeth; daughters, Hannah (Kurt) Witte and Kelly (Alex) Ager; grandchildren, Jasmyn and Carter Witte; brother, David (Denise) Bednarek and their children, Taryn and Anthony; parents-in-law, Richard and Jane VanSomeren; sister-in-law, Kari (Anthony) Roesler, and their children, Samuel and Beau; and a host of other loving family and beloved friends.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents.
Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 121 N.W. 60th Avenue, in Des Moines with a time of visitation and fellowship to follow until 3:00 p.m.
Online condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kathy Woida
02/16/2024
As Rick's NRCS co-worker for several years, I was privileged to witness first-hand his enthusiasm, humor, and passion for life, as well as his dedication to soils, especially soil health. He had a special way of communicating information to farmers, and the public in general, that made it always interesting and a lot of fun. He was a rare and unique person, and I considered him my friend. Rest in peace, Rick.
Bob Waters
02/16/2024
I will always have fond memories of Rick and I honestly cant remember any bad ones. It makes me chuckle now to think of him insulting me in some way with that mischievous smile on his face. Rick- thanks for all the little things, being quick to put me in my place, and for making the world just a little more enjoyable when you were in the room. Although you have departed this physical world, the positive impact you had on everyone around you will always be with us.
Dan Bednarek
02/09/2024
My condolences Beth to you and your family for your loss.
Clint and Gail Tuve
02/06/2024
Beth, Hannah, Kelly and family, we were so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. I have great memories of working with Rick in Minnesota. Also good times at deer camp and on the golf course. We had lots of laughs! He was always fun to be around with his outgoing personality and positive attitude. I consider myself lucky to have known Rick and been a part of his life for a short time.
Tom O'Connor
02/03/2024
Please accept my condolences on Rick's passing. I've known him a long time, since he was a young soil scientist on a survey crew in central Minnesota and I was a guy from the state office who came out to "help" them. I've always admired Rick's ability to handle details and not let them get in the way of his ability to see the big picture.
Perry Sullivan
02/02/2024
Rick is one of the most positive people I have ever met. I feel blessed to have know him and gotten the chance to work with him. I worked with Rick for just a few years, he had a life long impact on me. I enjoyed his many stories, his eternal optimism, and the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings debates. He is a true friend, he enjoyed life to the fullest, and is someone I will never forget. My condolences to the Bednarek family.
Michael Robotham
02/02/2024
Rick was one of the really good guys and a valued member of the NRCS State Soil Scientist cadre. His knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to share and help our staff and others to understand and appreciate the value of soils and natural resources - and above all his smile and generous spirit - will be missed by all of us who had the pleasure of working with him. My condolences go out to his wife and family.
Brandon Dittman
02/01/2024
Rick's personality and genuineness was absolutely infectious! There are few individuals who I've interacted with on such a limited basis that I remember so vividly, he lived his life with the joy and enthusiasm that I wished I had. I was a better person for knowing him and being able to work with him.
Paul Vondra
01/31/2024
To the family of Rick Bednarek Jr, I dont need to tell you how Ricks positive energy resonated in all he said and did. He was so positive to be around! He will surely be missed. My sincere condolences! God bless his soul and all your family as you navigate the grieving process.
Jennifer Welch
01/31/2024
There is not a way to think about Rick and not smile. He was always so joyful to be around. I always loved working with and chatting with Rick. He always had a joke to share and made things so enjoyable. I pray for comfort and peace for his family as they navigate this sorrow caused by his passing. He was loved.
Marge Sella
01/30/2024
Proud to call Rick a co-worker and more importantly a friend. I have many fond memories from our early careers in Illinois, to Minnesota and our last visit in Iowa. My condolences to Beth and family; a great guy who will be missed by many.
Julie McMichael
01/30/2024
One of the great extroverted soil scientists. Always willing to share about his passion. Wonderful mentor and friend. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.
Dave and Kristy York
01/30/2024
Loved working with Rick. He always brought energy, laughter, and an infectious smile. Never a dull moment with him. He exemplified a life well lived. May he rest in peace no longer bound by the physical limitations he suffered.
Jeff Godwin
01/30/2024
Rick was a great co-worker and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time.
Kevin Kuhn
01/30/2024
Always a smile!