Richard Hoerner, born November 4, 1961, passed away at home on May 21, 2025. No public services will be held for Rick. In his memory, please live with kindness, take time to ask about others, and place the needs of family and friends above your own. This will carry on his legacy.

On April 14, 2024, age 63, Rick experienced his first symptom and was soon diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a fast-growing, incurable and cancerous brain tumor.  During his illness, his challenges were primarily in his speech and visual perception.  Despite being told multiple times that he only had a few months to live, he continued to embrace each day by traveling and staying active. His unlimited planks became his staple daily activity.  Rick spoke of how living with this disease showed him to live life without getting too hung up on little things. Through this illness, Rick finally was able to be more open about his feelings and emotions. This was a side of Rick we rarely saw.

Rick’s authentic self was pure, kind, and graced with love that illuminated anyone who came into contact with him.  The longer you were around Rick, the clearer you would grow to understand he was truly genuine. Through his million dollar smile and taking a moment to ask about your life, you knew you mattered to Rick.  Regardless if you were a customer, a friend he hadn’t seen in years, or the mailman, he had a way to make you feel like you were the center of the universe.

Rick was athletic his whole life. Being a Hoerner, he grew-up around a baseball field, and this helped develop his love for the game.  Later, as a young adult, he traded  baseball for fast-pitch softball and volleyball.

His love for an active lifestyle stayed with him his whole life and he passed this fondness and appreciation of the outdoors and adventure onto his children. Whether it was bike riding, hiking, traveling, or being on the river, his family always accompanied him.

Rick was creative.  He had a talent to visualize how something should look then he would create it.  He drew his complete house remodel on a restaurant napkin! He crafted, carved, painted and built many things including a complete home and houseboat remodel.  He took great pride in meticulous work, always paying attention to fine details–especially when it came to school projects for his kids.

Rick’s personality was natural for sales.  He was incredibly successful whether he was selling pizza or steel due to two important things: hard freaking work & being personable. Even during stressful workdays, he somehow always managed to put his family first, sometimes driving across an entire county to attend a family obligation.

Rick lived his life conservatively. He was not afraid to share his opinions about politics, social issues, & parenthood.  However, his willingness to create open dialogue with anyone (even the opposing side) always allowed him to expand his knowledge, constantly living his life as a learner.

Rick was not a risk-taker–although some would say marrying Sandy was a risk! In truth, the two balanced each other nicely during their 33 years of marriage. Rick was patient, especially with Sandy. They married in 1993, and despite a 9-year age difference between the two, they worked through any difficulties. He was conservative; she wanted change. He flew by the seat of his pants; she was detail-oriented. He was calm; she was passionate. He was a pleaser; she would say what was on her mind.  He was cautious; she was a rule breaker. He was financially savvy; she was not-so-frugal about a budget.  Although opposite in so many ways, they blended the differences to form similar beliefs and values–attributes they so beautifully bestowed upon their three children.

Rick is survived by his wife Sandy (McGrath) Hoerner, their children, Streat Hoerner, Samantha (Ben Muhlstein) Hoerner, and Hannah (Max) Unmacht, as well as Rick’s mother, Sally Hoerner.  He is preceded in death by his father, Jim Hoerner.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. To leave online condolences for Rick’s family please visit www.leonardfuneralhome.com/obituary/Richard-Hoerner