1929
Dean
2013
Dean Joseph Rickenbach
January 17, 1929 — December 9, 2013
Dean Rickenbach
Orem/Koosharem
The smartest sheepherder on the mountain has moved on…
Dean Joseph Rickenbach, 84, passed away December 9, 2013, at UVRMC in Provo, Utah after a long battle with cancer. He was born January 17, 1929 in Monroe to Joseph and Vera Magleby Rickenbach . Dad loved growing up in Sevier County, the son of a sheep rancher. Some of his fondest memories were the times he spent with his dad, tending the herd.
Dean graduated from Richfield High School in 1947 where he excelled in all sports, especially track and basketball. He was part of a state record-setting track relay team. He attended BYU on a basketball scholarship, but an injury ended his college basketball career.
He served a mission to New Zealand and fondly recalled his days serving there.
Upon returning from New Zealand, he graduated from BYU with a degree in Agricultural Economics. While at BYU, Dad joined the ROTC program, and after graduation, he entered the Air Force as an officer, serving at Hamilton Air Force Base in Marin County, California. On June 23, 1955, he married Dixie White in the Salt Lake Temple.
Education was a big part of Dad’s life. After completing his Air Force service, Dad completed graduate studies at Stanford University, where he earned a master’s degree. Continuing his education, he earned a PhD in Economics from Indiana University. Dad spent many years as a professor of Economics at BYU before retiring.
Dad loved his wife and family. He had eight children and each thought they were his favorite.
Other than his family, Dad’s true love and passion was his ranch in Grass Valley. Through hard work and thrift, Mom and Dad were able to grow and expand the ranch. If one word were used to describe Dad, it would be “work.” Dad was never idle. He spent every spare moment working. He developed not only a successful cattle operation, but also a commercial trout farm operation.
We thought he was perfect, and we will miss him every day for the rest of our lives. He was truly a Renaissance man. Not only was he a cattle rancher/fish farmer and an economics professor, but he was also a painter, poet, and philosopher.
He is survived by his wife, Dixie; children: Ann (Mark) Hartshorn, Janet Hilton, Bruce (Marci) Rickenbach, Susan (Ray) Skinner, Roger (Linda) Rickenbach, Linda (Jeff) Gammon, Lisa (Craig) Ferris, Lloyd (Meghan) Rickenbach; 31 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; sister: Virginia Stewart.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Paul.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Koosharem Ward Chapel where friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Koosharem Cemetery with military rites by the V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050 and Hill Air Force Base. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti. Online guestbook and complete obituary found at www.maglebymortuary.com
In lieu of flowers, honor Dean by helping someone who is down on his luck.
Orem/Koosharem
The smartest sheepherder on the mountain has moved on…
Dean Joseph Rickenbach, 84, passed away December 9, 2013, at UVRMC in Provo, Utah after a long battle with cancer. He was born January 17, 1929 in Monroe to Joseph and Vera Magleby Rickenbach . Dad loved growing up in Sevier County, the son of a sheep rancher. Some of his fondest memories were the times he spent with his dad, tending the herd.
Dean graduated from Richfield High School in 1947 where he excelled in all sports, especially track and basketball. He was part of a state record-setting track relay team. He attended BYU on a basketball scholarship, but an injury ended his college basketball career.
He served a mission to New Zealand and fondly recalled his days serving there.
Upon returning from New Zealand, he graduated from BYU with a degree in Agricultural Economics. While at BYU, Dad joined the ROTC program, and after graduation, he entered the Air Force as an officer, serving at Hamilton Air Force Base in Marin County, California. On June 23, 1955, he married Dixie White in the Salt Lake Temple.
Education was a big part of Dad’s life. After completing his Air Force service, Dad completed graduate studies at Stanford University, where he earned a master’s degree. Continuing his education, he earned a PhD in Economics from Indiana University. Dad spent many years as a professor of Economics at BYU before retiring.
Dad loved his wife and family. He had eight children and each thought they were his favorite.
Other than his family, Dad’s true love and passion was his ranch in Grass Valley. Through hard work and thrift, Mom and Dad were able to grow and expand the ranch. If one word were used to describe Dad, it would be “work.” Dad was never idle. He spent every spare moment working. He developed not only a successful cattle operation, but also a commercial trout farm operation.
We thought he was perfect, and we will miss him every day for the rest of our lives. He was truly a Renaissance man. Not only was he a cattle rancher/fish farmer and an economics professor, but he was also a painter, poet, and philosopher.
He is survived by his wife, Dixie; children: Ann (Mark) Hartshorn, Janet Hilton, Bruce (Marci) Rickenbach, Susan (Ray) Skinner, Roger (Linda) Rickenbach, Linda (Jeff) Gammon, Lisa (Craig) Ferris, Lloyd (Meghan) Rickenbach; 31 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; sister: Virginia Stewart.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Paul.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Koosharem Ward Chapel where friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Koosharem Cemetery with military rites by the V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050 and Hill Air Force Base. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti. Online guestbook and complete obituary found at www.maglebymortuary.com
In lieu of flowers, honor Dean by helping someone who is down on his luck.
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