ST. JOHN — Rickey Lee Stimatze, 71, passed away at Stafford Co. Hospital on Sept. 8, 2024.

Born July 18th, 1953 to parents Gary R. and Maurine L. (Post) Stimatze. Rick grew up South of Macksville graduating in 1971 and later attending FHSU. Rick married Toni L. Bright on Sept. 21, 1974 at New Jerusalem Church in Pawnee Rock, KS. He worked for Mull Land and Cattle for over 50 years.

Rick and Toni moved to St. John in 2017 where they took over management of Mid Kansas Ag, Mid Kansas Ag Seed and Squeaks Club after the passing of their son Shane. Rick was an avid trapshooter and loved working with kids teaching his hobby; he also enjoyed working with the St. John trapshooting team. Memberships include the Kansas Trap Shooting Association and the Amateur Trap Association.

Survivors include his wife of almost 50 years, Toni (Bright) Stimatze; a daughter, Lacey Vieux; siblings, Joe Stimatze, Gary (Rita) Stimatze, Lisa Corr (Tom), Jana Stimatze, Kay Stimatze, Jill Stimatze (Michael Osborne), Reba Weisz (Clete); grandchildren, Colton, Brody, and Dylan Vieux.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters and a son, Shane Stimatze.

Funeral service will take place at the IOOF Lodge, 700 E. 1st Ave., St. John, KS. 11 a.m., Thurs., Sept. 12, 2024 with Pastor John Hamm presiding. Dress code will be blue jean casual. Interment will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery in St. John, KS. Visitation will be from 1-7 p.m. with family present from 5-7 p.m. Wed., Sept. 11, 2024 at Minnis Chapel in St. John, KS.  Memorials are suggested to the St. John Trapshooting team in care of Minnis Chapel, P.O. Box 34, St. John, KS 67576. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.net. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

P.O. Box 34

St. John, KS 67576

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 12, 2024