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Reverend Rick Dean Vesely

Reverend Rick Dean Vesely

  • October 24, 1953 - July 17, 2012
  • Traer, Iowa
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Memories & Candles

“Ben and family, We were so sad to hear of your dad's passing. Even though we never met him, we feel like we knew him through the loving...Read More » ”
1 of 38 | Posted by: barb and lisa - ankeny, IA

“You were an aweome man- I love you and you will be missed- Can't wait to see you in Heaven- Bob ”
2 of 38 | Posted by: Robert C Hauptly - Waterloo, IA

“Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. A great man will be missed. ”
3 of 38 | Posted by: Nancy Kubik - Indianola, IA

“I will always remember Rick from sporting events, NTAC Board, and his work in Ministry. Rick was one of the founders of younglife in Traer. He will...Read More » ”
4 of 38 | Posted by: Jeff Jacobs - Traer, IA

“What a great guy, always happy. He will always be a part of our life as he was the one that untied Heather & I into marriage. ”
5 of 38 | Posted by: Brian "Boomer" Ehrig - IA

“Jan and families, I want to extend our deepest sympathy to you all. I have know Rick all my life and knew from an early age he would be a great man....Read More » ”
6 of 38 | Posted by: Cindy Buresh - Traer, IA

“To Rick's family: We are all visitors to this time, this place. Our purpose here is learn to grow, to love, and then we return to Him. Let God’s...Read More » ”
7 of 38 | Posted by: Julie Ann Miller - Marshalltown , IA

“Jan, Corey, Emily, Ben and family- Rick was such a man of presence and Faith. On my wedding day he arrived at the ceremony and wanted to have a...Read More » ”
8 of 38 | Posted by: Lorie Kesl - Elberon, IA

“Rick was so helpful to me with ideas for the youth group when I was a student pastor in Cascade. He was involved with our daughter's baptism in...Read More » ”
9 of 38 | Posted by: Rev. Claire Pula

“Rick, Thank you for all your support and encouragement in helping me hunger in my walk to know the Lord, and for always supporting me in my...Read More » ”
10 of 38 | Posted by: Aaron Larmore - Traer, IA

“To you, Rick's family, I regret losing touch with Rick and others over the past 30+ years. I've never met you guys but this news stirs a lot in me. ...Read More » ”
11 of 38 | Posted by: Dave Tjaden - Chaska, MN - Friend

“Jan, No words can erase the sadness you feel, but take comfort in knowing there are others who understand and care. I hope all of your memories,...Read More » ”
12 of 38 | Posted by: Jennifer L. (Anderson) Richter - IN

“Jan and all the Vesely family, I am so very sorry to hear about Rick passing. Yes, the community has lost another wonderful soul. He will be...Read More » ”
13 of 38 | Posted by: Joyce E. Paustian - Tripoli, IA

“I have nothing but the fondest of memoris of Rick and all of his family. He was truly a wonderful father and mentor not only to his own children but...Read More » ”
14 of 38 | Posted by: Jill (Vogel) Gatlin

“Hi: I'm sorry to hear of Rick's death. It's clear that his life made a difference and that he was deeply loved. Please accept our condolences at this...Read More » ”
15 of 38 | Posted by: Bob Roof- Covenant ER - Waterloo, IA

“Too many good memories to share. We lost a GREAT guy. My thoughts are with his children and relatives. I know he is with us in spirit. He was one...Read More » ”
16 of 38 | Posted by: Jesse Vokoun - Overland Park, KS

“Mr. Veseley was my gym teacher at St. Johns in Waterloo in the 1970s. He was the first male teacher I ever had. I remember him well and very fondly...Read More » ”
17 of 38 | Posted by: Bill Fleuette - Aledo, IL

“Dear Jan, Cory, Emily, Ben and families, We are so sorry for your loss. Rick was an example for all of us and a most positive influence. Rick...Read More » ”
18 of 38 | Posted by: Jay and Toni, Jay and Liz and Connor Whannel - IA

“Jan and family,our hearts go out to you at this time. Rick was a true testment to all the knew him.Khow he is rejoicing now with our Lord and Savior...Read More » ”
19 of 38 | Posted by: Dave and Sandy Slack - Traer, IA

“I am sorry that I never got to know Rick very well, but when I met him I immediately knew him and I could have some good laughs. I have been told a...Read More » ”
20 of 38 | Posted by: Arlet Kern - Sunrise Beach, MO

“One of the most fitting tributes that can be paid to an individual is to acknowledge the magnitude of the legacy that they imprinted upon others. ...Read More » ”
21 of 38 | Posted by: Dean Watts Family - Hudson, IA

“I loved rick. He was like an uncle to me. Cant wait to see him in Heaven with our perfect bodies one day. I know he is with Jesus. ”
22 of 38 | Posted by: liz waggoner - riverside, CA

“Hi, I'm sorry for the loss of Rick,he was a friend in our new adventure with the struggle with a l s . We will miss him this sept. when we walk for...Read More » ”
23 of 38 | Posted by: Philip d. akin - Waterloo, IA

“I knew Rick when i used to work the wic clinic in the church, he always stopped to see how i was and to just visit, what an amazing person, even...Read More » ”
24 of 38 | Posted by: BETH MORRISON - TRAER, IA

“Such a special man with a warm heart and big smile. Thank you Rick for understanding that a young person's will to serve is to be cherished and...Read More » ”
25 of 38 | Posted by: Wendy Tyler Boosalis - MN

“You were a friend to so many of us. Your love for the Lord was ever present. You will be missed. My prayers go to your family and may they...Read More » ”
26 of 38 | Posted by: Mary Jane Miller - Gilbert, AZ

“Well done good and faithful servant. You are missed, but we'll catch up later! Prayers for peace and comfort to family and friends. ”
27 of 38 | Posted by: Troy Winder - bettendorf, IA

“My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I know that Rick was a rock in the community and such a wonderful role model to all. His kindness to my...Read More » ”
28 of 38 | Posted by: Connie Claussen - WA - Friend

“My deepest sympathy goes out to Rick's family. Rick was a great pastor and I enjoyed the short time I had worked at the church with him. We were...Read More » ”
29 of 38 | Posted by: Theresa (Hall) Lautenbach - MO

“Where does one begin with words? To describe a man of such ability to impact lives - such an amazing example of Christ's love. We are truly beyond...Read More » ”
30 of 38 | Posted by: Dahn Kennedy - Traer, IA

“Jan, I am so sorry for your loss! Rick was such a great guy, and I've truly enjoyed getting to know your family over the past few years. I always...Read More » ”
31 of 38 | Posted by: Josh Nuss - West Des Moines, IA

“Janice, my deepest sympathy goes out to you. The support of so many friends and loved ones will carry you through this difficult time. I knew Rick...Read More » ”
32 of 38 | Posted by: Richard Arp - Clutier, IA

“My thoughts and prayers go out to Jan and all of Rick's family and friends. The community of Traer has lost a great person...he touched the lives of...Read More » ”
33 of 38 | Posted by: DARSI KARR HUDDLESON - LYTTON, IA

“I am sorry for Rick's passing. He was a super guy, in all ways. Even though I knew Rick before I knew you, Janice, you both are my very special...Read More » ”
34 of 38 | Posted by: cindy wolfgram holen - broken bow, OK

“Rick gave so much to our family. When my brother Bill needed help after his medical issues, Rick was right there to help with whatever he needed. ...Read More » ”
35 of 38 | Posted by: Carol Whitmore - Des Moines, IA

“Tom and I first met Rick when we became engaged. We knew we were having a catholic wedding, but I really wanted pastor Rick involved. He graciously...Read More » ”
36 of 38 | Posted by: Tom and holly Nelsen Lindauer and family - IA

“Our deepest sympathy to all family and friends to whom Rick impacted in his spiritual faith. He will forever be remembered with all of his rays of...Read More » ”
37 of 38 | Posted by: Feisel Family - Traer, IA

“Am so sorry to hear about your loss. Rick was a faithful positive member on our Early Childhood Iowa (Empowerment) Board. We was always an advocate...Read More » ”
38 of 38 | Posted by: Lori Johnson - Toledo, IA


Ricky "Rick" Dean Vesely was born October 24, 1953 in Waterloo, IA, son of Johnny and Marlys (Staker) Vesely. He received his education in Traer graduating from North Tama High School in 1972. He received his Associated Arts Degree from Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls and later his BA at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. He then began teaching at St. Mary's and St. John's parochial school until 1979. In 1981 he began his position as Athletic Director and coached Jr. High volleyball at St. Edwards's parochial school until 1983. He then worked at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo where he was in charge of the youth program before attending Pittsburg Theological Seminary in Pittsburg, PA and was student Pastor at Mulberry Presbyterian Church. In 1986 he accepted the position as Associate Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1989 became the Black Hawk area Director for Young Life in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. On May 15, 1992 he became the pastor at the United Presbyterian Church in Traer until his health forced his retirement on April 25, 2010. He was married to Kathleen Rhoades and they later divorced. On August 14, 1998 he married Janice Sell at the United Presbyterian Church. Rick held an active role in the growth of the Traer church community, North Tama Schools, and activity programs. Rick preached on the need to better serve our young people in Traer and was instrumental in bringing Young Life to Traer in 1992. He formed the first official Young Life group which now continues as BASIC. He also served community families officiating at funerals and weddings. He took an active role in North Tama athletics and coached elementary, junior high and high school baseball, basketball, volleyball and announced football games for 14 years as well as some baseball. His death came on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at his home with his family at his side under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Kent. He is survived by his wife Jan, his children Corey (Allison) Vesely of Waterloo, IA, Ben Vesely of Ankeny, IA, Emily (Scott) Krambeck of Lincoln, NE, Chad (Candie) Fehr of Coatesville, IN and Wendy (Greg) Deitrick of Traer, 11 grandchildren, Brianna, Andrew, Alex, Caleb, Ali, Sydney, Sable, Cole, Callie, Michaela and Bella. One brother Galen (Donna) Vesely of Traer and sister Deanna (Mike) Joebgen of Sumner, IA and several brothers and sisters-in-law and his mother-in-law.