Rick Dean Schuler passed away unexpectedly Monday Aug. 1, in Evanston.
He was born in Hampton, Iowa, on Sept. 24,1957, to Earl E. and Giula D. (Wickwire) Schuler.
Rick graduated from Bondurant Farrar High School in Bondurant, Iowa. He was active in football, basketball, track and in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Rick was recruited to play football at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He then transferred to Utah State University, where he played football and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management in 1980.
After graduation, he met and married Wendy Davis of Mountain View, a young woman who shared his contagious zest for life. They married in 1982. At that time she was teaching physical education at Lyman High School. Rick was employed by the Forest Service and eventually became the District Ranger working and managing the Wasatch Cache National Forest. After 40 years of service, he retired on Dec. 31, 2020.
He and his wife Wendy celebrated their 40th anniversary on July 31. They spent that day together enjoying family, good friends and being outdoors. Rick truly loved and adored her during their 40 years together which is something to be admired. He leaves a great legacy of devotion to her and to their family.
Rick will long be remembered for the many youth he mentored. Whether it was in his professional capacity as a forest ranger or in the community, many can look back and say that his efforts were what made them successful or helped them through difficult times. Whether it was seasonal workers, fire crews or through his volunteering spirit in the community, he built people up and showed them their unlimited potential.
Along with that, his work with the Evanston Youth Club and the Evanston Recreation Board was another way to show how much he valued the youth in his community. He also spent numerous hours fixing and repairing bikes so that children and youth could enjoy the outdoor life. He was a founding member of the Southwest Wyoming Off-Road Trails and had been instrumental in its development.
He loved the mountains and skiing and was drawn to the beauties of the outdoors plus the opportunities for the adventurous life he loved. Some of his favorite outdoor pastimes included camping, golfing, boating, skiing, hunting, snowmachining, pickleball and mountain biking. When he could enjoy these activities with family and friends, it was even better.
Rick was a kind and loving father to their four children. He taught them hard work and integrity and all of the skills that helped them to grow into successful adults in their own right.
He will be deeply missed by his children, Sunny (Lee) Dolezal, Stormy (Jim) Dolezal, Rick E. Schuler and Rocky (Larkin) Schuler. Rick leaves behind three grandchildren, Sunny, Frank and Paxton. They were the light of his life. He also leaves behind his loving wife, Wendy; his parents; and two sisters, Brenda and Diane, and their families. He touched the lives of all of his extended family and they will feel his loss greatly.
He was a member of the Alliance Church, where he served as a deacon. His Christian faith meant a lot to him. He lived a life of service to his family, friends and the community. Rick never knew a stranger, and he was a friend to all.
He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Wes and Louise Davis.
There will be viewings from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, and at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, both at Davis Middle School. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Davis Middle School.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Evanston Youth Club or to the Bear River Outdoor Recreation Alliance (BRORA).
