Richard Jones

Richard "Rick" Jones, age 67, of Waupaca/Weyauwega, passed away Sunday, May 14th 2023 unexpectedly with his family by his side.

Rick was born in Waupaca to Arthur and Cora Jones on April 3rd, 1956. He went to school at Waupaca. Rick and Vicki Schwirtz first met in Waupaca in 1973. They married on November 20th, 1976. In 1981, they welcomed Cora, and in 1984 they welcomed Zack. Rick worked at the Waupaca Foundry for 40 years. Rick was very interested in all things nature which earned him the nickname "Nature Ninja". He was always willing to mentor anybody in fishing, hunting, and trapping. This included multiple trips to Canada and to the boundary waters. He was everyone's favorite boat captain and helped many kids catch their first fish. At their house, they raised chickens, pigs, goats, quails, and a cow named Tiny. Rick had many interests over the years including running set lines, astronomy, solar panels/windmills, collecting mushrooms, freeze drying foods, and his latest interest was growing hot peppers. Vicki and Rick had their fair share of adventures including cruises, camping trips to Florida, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas. Vicki even got Rick to go to New York City. After each adventure we awaited his story's.

Rick is survived by his wife, Vicki, and their son, Zack (Summer) Jones; sister: Linda (Jack) Hartman, and their children Medora (Dan) Magdanz, Ted (Jera) Danke, and Molly (Ryan) Suehs; brothers: Bob Jones and his son Paul (Michelle) Jones; Tom (Karen) Jones and their children Pete Jones and Jenny Jones; Chuck (Debbie) Jones and their children Mike (Michelle) Jones, Jer (Crystal) Jones, Mary Jones, and Joe (Cassie) Jones; Dave Jones and his children Heidi (Tom) Oczus, Boomer Pecore, and Grace (Lee) Babbitts; brothers-in-law: Terry (Jean) Schwirtz and their children Chris (Jennifer) Schwirtz and Josh (Karen) Schwirtz; Chad (Connie) Schwirtz; sisters-in-law: Jenni Schwirtz and her children Travis (Monica) Schwirtz and Tyler (Etta) Schwirtz; Brenda (Bob) Martin and Brenda's son Mark Schoenick; Jennifer Grimm-Schwirtz; Rick is further survived by many great nieces, nephews, and friends.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents: Arthur and Cora; daughter: Cora; nieces: Rachel Rebman and Tanya Durrant; sister-in-law: Connie Jones; brothers-in-law: Alan Danke and Brad Schwirtz; in-laws: Earnway and Lizzy Schwirtz.

The funeral service for Rick will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church (206 E. Badger St.) in Waupaca at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023 with Rev. Dr. Charles Tews officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Fremont. A visitation for Rick will be held at the church on Friday from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

Please go to this link for the livestream of Rick's funeral: https://youtu.be/pCWyHb_bA0s.