Rickey Dennis Hinkel, 68, of Laramie, died Friday, March 3, 2017 in his home following a lengthy illness.
Rick was born June 28, 1948 in Pisgah, IA.
He served his country from 1968 – 1972 as a highly decorated Green Beret, completing three tours in the Vietnam War.
Rick attended college at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and the University of Wyoming, majoring in English. He also attended the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula, MT after his retirement.
Rick moved to Laramie in 1978. He fell in love with the mountains and never left. He often commented how lucky he was to get a job playing with a big Tonka toy in the mountains. He retired as a heavy equipment operator for the Forest Service in 2008. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, traveling, photography, spending time at the family cabin in Albany, playing guitar and singing songs for his wife, and laughing with his many friends at the Ranger, the American Legion, the VFW and the Elks. He was an avid reader, a musician, an amazing photographer and a kind and gentle soul.
He was a wonderful grandfather (G-Pa), and loved holding the babies and singing to them. His lively interactions with his grandchildren made him the go-to favorite.
His greatest enjoyment in life was making people laugh. His intelligence, and quick wit will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
He was pre-deceased by his parents, Everett and Hazel Hinkel, his brothers Everett and John Hinkel and sister Janice Hicks, all of Iowa. He is survived by his wife, Debra; his siblings, Dorothy Hildreth, Verva Thiles, Myrna Beeber, and Keith Hinkel (Nancy), all of Iowa; his daughter Haley Ragland (Levi) of Elko, Nevada, his stepchildren, Randal Ramirez (Cia) of Fort Collins, Robert Ramirez, of Laramie and Robyn Ramirez, of Cheyenne; his grandchildren, Reagan, Coltyn, and Ryleigh Ragland, Oliver and Izak Ramirez, and Caydence and Keagan Eicholtz, numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of good friends.
Memorial services will be at 1pm on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion.
14 Comments To "Rick Hinkel"
#1 Comment By Jonene Day On March 8, 2017 @ 9:51 am
We used to do crossword puzzles together at the Ranger..didn’t know he was an English major..no wonder he was so good at them! As i’ve said before, Rick and Deb were wonderful friends to me for many years and this is a sad time. But i love the memories.
#2 Comment By Vicki Martin On March 8, 2017 @ 10:14 am
So sorry for your loss. May your sweet special memories keep him aluve in your heart.
#3 Comment By Anonymous On March 8, 2017 @ 10:27 am
Dearest Deb and family
We are deeply saddened by your loss Rick is in our hearts and you are on our minds, hearts, and prayers. We love you deeply.
Marcy and Chip and family
#4 Comment By Jolene Williams ( Wooten) On March 8, 2017 @ 2:56 pm
He was a great man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
#5 Comment By Mary McDonald On March 8, 2017 @ 5:17 pm
Debbie and family,
I am so truly sorry and sad for your loss of Rick. Knowing Debbie and all the wonderful love, respect and enjoyment of Rick that she shared with me and others, I can only imagine you are all feeling a very large loss and empty space in your family. I hope as the trauma and intense grief subside, you are each able to feel his ongoing presence and love in your lives. Hugs and shared tears to you Debbie and my condolences to you all.
Mary McDonald, Laramie
#6 Comment By Glo West On March 9, 2017 @ 6:36 pm
Debbie was sorry to hear about Rick we all had good times at the landing thinking of you glo
#7 Comment By Bob Hopkins On March 10, 2017 @ 9:15 am
Debbie I am so sorry to hear about Rick you are in my prayers
#8 Comment By Cindy Bigelow On March 10, 2017 @ 1:55 pm
Thinking of you Deb, and all your family at this terribly sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength to get through these next difficult months.
#9 Comment By Patti Castle On March 10, 2017 @ 4:24 pm
Prayers for all the love ones Rick left behind. Bless him and his family
Patti Castle
#10 Comment By Kitty Kiesel On March 11, 2017 @ 6:36 am
My prayers are with you Deb and the family
#11 Comment By Jo Korpitz On March 11, 2017 @ 7:16 am
Debbie, blessings and love to you and your family.
#12 Comment By Rob Graham On March 11, 2017 @ 9:39 am
I served with this man. He was a great warrior. He was my friend. I have a few pictures of Rick in Vietnam I would send if anyone is interested and many stories to share. He was a kind and gentle spirit and will be missed. I have spread the word throughout the SOG community and we all have raised a glass and told his story.
#13 Comment By Ken Whitehorn On March 11, 2017 @ 11:17 am
I grew up with Rick in Iowa and we enjoyed our childhood. My deepest sympathies to all his family and friends.
#14 Comment By Deb Formento On March 14, 2017 @ 2:45 pm
Debbie,
I am soo very sorry for your loss.
May you keep all the memories of the special times you had with Rick close to you during the days ahead.