"R.J." Rudolph James Rickenbach

Our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Rudolph James "R.J." Rickenbach, 87, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2011, in Richfield. He was born May 9, 1923, in Glenwood, to loving parents George and Annie Leah Ware Rickenbach. He married his sweetheart, Donna Vee Christensen, September 26, 1946 in Richfield. She passed away after a sudden illness June 9, 1996.

R.J. was a man of utmost integrity, and was loved and trusted by all who knew him. He was a man of few words, but was intelligent and well-read. He kept his witty sense of humor until his final day on earth.

R.J. was a prominent cattleman and rancher, carrying on a family business started with his father, and later shared with his youngest son, Scott. He had a love of the industry even as a young man and was the recipient of several awards in livestock and agriculture, as well as scholarships to attend Utah State Agricultural College (USU) in Logan. He proudly and humbly accepted the 2004 Sevier County Heirloom Award, honoring him for a "life dedicated to the western lifestyle, and stewardship of the land."

R.J. is survived by his children: Rodney Jay Rickenbach, Prescott, Arizona; Susan (Craig) Barney, Salina; Joan (Bruce) Decker, Petaluma, California; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna Vee; son and daughter-in-law, Scott G. & Lori Rickenbach; son-in-law, Donal Long; grandson, Nathan Rickenbach; sister Norene (Jay) Oldroyd.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in the Magleby Mortuary, 50 South 100 West, Richfield, where friends may call from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Richfield Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to Primary Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or a charity of choice; and hug someone you love.