Rick D. Schuler

Rick Dean Schuler passed away unexpectedly Monday August 1, 2022 in Evanston Wyoming.  

He was born in Hampton, Iowa Sept 24th,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 was active 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 Mt. 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 31st.  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 that 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 member of the Southwest Wyoming Off-Road Trails Association 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 alot to him.  He lived a life of service to his family, friends and the community.  Rick never knew a stranger and was a friend to all.

He was preceded in death by his in laws, Wes and Louise Davis.

There will be a viewing Friday, August 5th at Davis Middle School from 6-8 p.m

On Saturday, August 6th, at Davis MIddle School  there will be a viewing at 10 a.m. with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Evanston Youth Club or to the Bear River Outdoor Recreation Alliance (BRORA).