Obituary of Rick Dean Feick
Rick Dean Feick was born in Ashtabula, Ohio on January 19, 1944. Growing up on a family farm he was one of two sons born to the late Carl Feick and Jean (Yaussy) Feick. Rick was a football standout in high school graduating from Colonel Crawford High School in North Robinson, Ohio. He attended Ashland University on scholarship earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. In 1966 he moved to Monroe County with his lifelong friend, Butch Foster. The two had been recruited at the time to coach football and teach for Custer Consolidated Schools.
Rick would later take employment with Monroe Public Schools, serving as a Science teacher to countless Junior High School students and later he taught Biology at the High School for a combined total of thirty-five years. He would earn his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Rick was a well-loved educator throughout his career and his influence most certainly encouraged many youth to enter the health field.
He began dating his future wife Nancy M. Kettinger in the Fall of 1970. The young couple was wed a few months later on December 19, 1970. They made their home in LaSalle and were blessed with the birth of a daughter: Christine.
Rick served LaSalle Township for many years as its Building Inspector. Thereafter he served as Monroe County Commissioner for two terms, and was elected to the position of LaSalle Township Clerk a position he has held until his passing. He was fortunate to have the gift of gab, and he enjoyed gathering for coffee with friends and talking politics whenever he was able. Rick was a member of the Monroe County Democratic Party, MCEA (Monroe County Education Association, NEA (National Education Association), and MARSP (Michigan Association of Retired School Professionals).
Rick was a man of many interests. He was skilled with his hands and enjoyed tinkering. He always seemed to be on the cutting edge of creations, building his own barn and operational windmill. He often performed home and auto repair when needed. Rick loved cars; being involved in midget racing, motorcycles; especially riding his Harley and visiting Sturgis on several occasions with wife Nancy. Rick also was a licensed pilot, and enjoyed flying. Recently, his new hobby was that of flying drones.
An avid animal lover, his home was often a mini farm of sorts caring for goats, ducks, cats, and dogs. He had even spent time breaking and training horses.
Rick Dean Feick, age 72, of LaSalle passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He is preceded in death by his parents.
To cherish his memory, Rick leaves his beloved wife, Nancy M. Feick of LaSalle. Their daughter, Dr. Christine E. Feick (Adrienne Losh), their two grandsons, Alexander Feick-Losh and Levon Feick-Losh, residing in Ann Arbor. He had one brother, Larry (Caren) Feick of Crestline, Ohio. He had a niece, Carla (Jerry) Gerhardt of Sulphur Springs, Ohio and a nephew, Jeff (Elizabeth) Feick of Canal Winchester, Ohio.
Friends may gather on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 3:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will be held at Merkle’s at 11:00am on Saturday, December 17, 2016.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the Monroe County Humane Society or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by vising www.merklefs.com.