Ricky L. Meinders

Ricky (Rick) Laurance Meinders passed away Friday April 17th, at home from a courageous and valiant battle from ALS. He was born on September 10, 1951, in Belmond, IA. To Adolph and Rose Meinders, he was the 2nd of6 children, of which he was the oldest son. Rick grew up on a farm in Clarion, IA, there was always a lot of work to be done. At 11 yrs old he was already driving tractors, feeding cattle and hogs. He attended school in Clarion, graduating in 1969. After 2 concussions he was not allowed to play football anymore so he joined the wrestling team. He only won one match that year but learned a lot. He did much better as a Senior. Before graduation he worked as a welder at a manufacturing plant. When he found out Iowa Central Junior College in Eagle Grove was starting a wrestling team program, he thought that would be a great opportunity. Both years at Eagle Grove he pinned every dual meet opponent. He earned a scholarship to Utah State University for Wrestling. He worked part time at a car dealership while attending college, while working for a Bachelor's degree in Automotive Technology, he served a term as President of the Student Branch of Society of Automotive Engineers. He worked as mechanic for 4 years at Palmer's GM Dealership and one year as the body shop manager. He worked for State Farm Insurance as an automotive damage estimator and did that for several years. He then moved to Caldwell, ID and worked as a service manger for 9 yrs at a GM Dealership, he then returned to Logan, UT to be service manager at Palmer's. He at times had the highest service customer satisfaction with Buick in Norther Utah District. Rick served on the Western district Buick service advisory counsel and on Bridgerl and Auto Tech advisory committee. Rick loved working and modifying cars and on his Firebirds and Trans Am. Rick also helped build and run electrical wiring in his new house in Smithfield, he finished the basement for extra room for the kids. Rick loved working with wood and making furniture. In 2011 his spinal back problems kept him from working, having 12 back and neck surgeries. Rick joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the fall of 1972. He enjoyed his callings as Executive Secretary, Primary Teacher, Gospel Doctrine and Gospel Essential teacher, and served as a Stake Missionary and in other callings. He met his beautiful wife, Margie Comish in the fall of 1977.They were later married in the spring of 1978. They had 3 children: Lindsay, Michelle and Bryce. He enjoyed very much going to their school and athletic events. He is proceeded in death by his daughter: Lindsay, Father - Adolph, Mother - Rose, Brothers - Robert and Dean Meinders. Surviving are his wife Margie (New Plymouth, ID ), Michelle (Josh)Williams, and Bryce Meinders (Layton, UT), 7 Grandsons, and 1Granddaughter.  Brother - Ardell Meinders, and Sisters - Thea Chambers, LeeAnn Hubbard. A Special Thanks to Horizon Hospice - Denise and Justine. Funeral Services will be held Monday, April 27th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in New Plymouth, ID.  Viewing is at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. for services