Harold Richard “Rick” Kueck, Jr was born June 17, 1950 in Kansas City, MO to Harold R. and Betty (Summers) Kueck and departed this life on August 14, 2020 at Cox South in Springfield, MO.
He spent his early childhood living in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. His family later moved to Sunrise Beach, MO on the Lake of the Ozarks where he attended school at Hurricane Deck Elementary School and graduated from Camdenton High School in 1968. He had many great memories of living at the lake including spending summers with his buddies living on the dock they built, working for his Dad at Forsen Plumbing & Electrical supply, skiing, boating, working on cars and trying to stay out of trouble.
After high school he attended Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK graduating with a degree in Powerplant Mechanics. He then returned to Camdenton to marry the love of his life, Janie Osborn on March 21, 1970. They celebrated 50 wonderful years together this year. Their family was complete with the birth of their daughter, Michelle Renee “Missy” in 1975.
Drafted into the Army on his wedding day (making sure not to tell his wife-to-be until after the wedding), he completed boot camp then served a total of seven years between the Oklahoma and Missouri National Guard and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant E5 in 1977. He received recognition for being an expert marksman and enjoyed his duties as a helicopter mechanic, occasionally getting to fly the helicopters as well.
His love of aeronautics continued as he earned his pilot’s license and flew his first solo flight in March 1978. He also attended SMSU in 1985-86 furthering his knowledge in drafting and computer programming.
Rick began his career in the medical field in 1973 working at the Camdenton Medical Center taking x-rays and working in the pharmacy. In 1976, he moved his family to Buffalo, MO to work at the Buffalo Medical Center with Dr. Carnell. He managed the dispensary in the clinic for over 25 years with Janie joining him in 1977. They worked side by side until he ventured into his own business, Rix Paintless Dent Repair in 2001. He spent several years traveling across the country chasing hail and fixing car dents until his retirement.
Rick was a Mason for over 43 years with the Riddick Lodge # 361 A.F & A.M. Buffalo, MO. Serving as Master of the lodge and Rajah of the Dallas County Shrine Club. He supported Shriner’s Hospital for Children earning several crutches by sponsoring children needing care.
He was the ultimate jack of all trades from electronics to mechanics, medical knowledge, drafting, computer programming, and aeronautics. He could fix or create just about anything. An expert grill master, Rick cooked the best steaks hands down! He enjoyed a good beer, fishing and playing golf with Claude and all the guys in the Shrine Tournaments, traveling with Jane, riding his motorcycles, and mowing his yard or his neighbors from time to time.
A loving Papa to Austin and Emily, they shared many good times together. He always had something to share with them including his bag of M&M’s or Andes mints. He was so proud of them.
He is preceded in death by his parents Harold & Betty and stepfather, Cliff Starkey.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Janie, his daughter Missy and husband Reggie Rice, grandchildren, Austin Rice and Emily Rice all of Buffalo. Sisters: Pam (Dave) Horn, North Carolina; Janis (Frank) Cowan, Florida; Beth (Kelly) Sockwell, Arizona; Brother: Greg Kueck, Springfield, MO. Great-aunts; Carolyn Long and Judy Leon. Great-uncle: Basil Summers. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and special Masonic brothers that were family to him.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2020 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Bro. Roger Easter officiating. Escorts will be Claude Satterfield, Dr. David Paul, David Phillips, Dr. David Kramer, Roger Bradley, and Jim Osborn. Honorary escorts will be Reggie Rice, Austin Rice, and Greg Kueck. Interment will be in the Memorial Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Rick’s honor to Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
