Richard Dean Feenstra, 49, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was born Sept. 1, 1962. Richard (Rick) passed away on Friday, July 13, 2012.

Rick was the son of Pierce and Mardelle Feenstra of Hull, Iowa. He spent his boyhood in Norfolk, Neb., where he graduated from Norfolk Public School and Northeast Community College. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida, where he also fell in love with his beautiful wife and continued on to receive his MBA with induction into the Beta Gamma Sigma honors society from the University of Iowa. He was a hard working, avid reader and student in perpetual pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Among his many passions, Rick loved being outside, playing guitar and most of all raising his family. He was employed at Rockwell Collins at the time of his passing.

Survivors include a loving wife, Pamela (Bennington); daughters, Jessica Paige and Morgan Kylee; son, Peter Alex; parents, Pierce and Mardelle; brothers, Paul Duane and S. Daniel; and sister, Candi Dianne.

He was preceded in death by one nephew, Meshach Lee.

Rick was well loved and respected by his family and friends. His work ethic and loving nature earned him the appellation of “Gentle Giant.” All that have come to love him, will miss him dearly.

As his family, we know that his life and death are in the hands of his loving and caring Father God.

A memorial will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, at the Noelridge pavilion to celebrate his life.

Published in The Gazette July 17, 2012.