Richard Engelking

Richard (Rick) Engelking, 77, passed peacefully March 27, 2024, surrounded by his three children.

Born Aug. 2, 1946, to Marie and Carl Engelking, Rick started his life as the youngest of four children. A rebel and hard worker by nature, he could be found outdoors helping on the farm or causing some sort of trouble with friends, likely going too fast on a highway somewhere in small-town Iowa.

There was no doubt Rick worked hard. He spent 38 years as a machinist at Fishers, making lifelong friends and keeping everyone in line each day with his stern “Rick voice.” At retirement, Rick picked up the hobby of woodturning. To no surprise, he was incredibly talented with the lathe, spending hours on YouTube and nose deep in magazines learning new ideas and tricks to use in his woodshop.

Rick loved the simple things in life: a Sunday afternoon drive, hummingbirds perched on his feeders, the flowers in his garden, dropping a fishing line, watching Comet softball and a cold Old Milwaukee beer.

But most of all, Rick loved his family. His children and grandkids were the light of his life. His buttons burst when he got to talk about all of his kids. He made sure to know all of us were loved and cherished, reminding us to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. 

Rick is preceded in death by his daughter, Andrea, his brother, Merlyn, and his sister Lee.

Left to cherish his memories is his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family and friends.

A celebration of life by the family, will was planned at the Conrad American Legion Monday, April 1, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Memorials and condolences can be directed to the family.

Visit Mitchell Family Funeral Home online.