Rick L. Leckness
February 28, 1956 ~ November 5, 2009
Rick L. Leckness, 53, of Cedar Rapids, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, November 5, 2009. A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at New Covenant Bible Church, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Diane, three children, Brianne (Alex) Martinez of Des Moines, Nicole (Nathan) Heaverlo of Cedar Rapids, and David Leckness of Cedar Rapids; his father, James (Emily) Leckness of Evansdale; his mother, Arlene Praska of Evansdale, his siblings, Lorraine (Monte) Crane, Cindy (Michael) Crane, James (Gloria) Leckness, LaVonne (Buster) Rounds, Jennifer (Jan) Pastores, and Sarah (Kenny) Praska; and grandchildren, Xavier, Lily, and one on the way; and several nieces and nephews. Rick was born February 28, 1956, in Waterloo, Iowa, where he was raised. He earned a Masters of Social Work and most recently worked as a Career Counselor for Iowa Workforce Development. Rick was a member of New Covenant Bible Church. Memorials may be directed to the family.
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I am honored to have met Rick. He serves as an inspiration in that for the most part his attitude and determination overcame the tragedy life dealt him. Despite it he found love, he found an active life and blessed his own children with the ability to do the same. God Bless him!
Diane, just a note to let you know we are in our tho’ts during this time. We were so blessed with Rick’s life, his cheerfulness and never complaining even with what God allowed in his life. The children enjoyed having rides on his wheel chair, and the times he told about his accident that changed his life forever and bro’t him to God. May God receive all the glory from Rick’s life!
Diane, I’ve been thinking about you. I am so sorry for your loss. He is at peace now and no longer in pain. I pray that you have the strength to get through this. Prayers and hugs!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. God be with you.
Diane and children,
We have certainly missed you from the area. We have many good memories of your family while you were here in Wellman. I am so glad to have gotten to know Rick and still remember the times he shared in church, especially the children’s lesson about his accident. I am glad he was willing to allow this circumstance to be used for His glory. May God be with you as you walk through this time of seperation.
Marinda
I knew Rick growing up in Waterloo.Very sad to here about his passing. We had some great times but im glad he found his place in life.
Rest in peace Ricky. Say hi to Kim for me.love ya brother
Harry
I have never known anyone in my life with Rick’s tenacity and willpower. Throughout most of his life he has known adversity and obstacles and has always made the best out of every situation. Most would say that God gave Rick the gift of a prolonged life, but in fact the gift was for the rest of us to be able to see Rick’s example for how to life through those circumstances.
I’m sorry for your loss of Rick but it’s only for a short time. Because of both of your personal relationships with Jesus in asking Him to forgive you of your sins and letting Him take control of your lives, you will see him in Heaven!!
Always remember that our Lord promised us His peace, a peace that passes all human understanding, all we have to do is ask! Praying for you and your family!!
In His Amazing Love, Karen
Ricky and I go way back to around 1973. We met at East High school in the hallway. We were probably skipping classes that day. He was the best man at our wedding. We lived alot of great times and some bad times together. Even though we haven’t been in contact for some time, whenever we did talk it was like old times. Dianne, I remember when you and Ricky met in the hospital. You gave him the hope he needed at that time in his life. Thank you for being a great wife, companion and mother to your children. Ricky had a good life and accomplished alot because of his love for you and your children. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Jim, Michelle, Jessica and Jamy Hermsen
Diane and family,
Rick was a very strong and loving person. It was a great honor to have known him. We are very grateful to have had him and all of you in our lives. Just know that Rick is now in God’s arms and at peace. And yes, he is probably dancing up a storm! Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
I remember the first time I met Ricky at the Circle Lounge in Cedar Falls. He was dancing to the band Nasty Jack. He was dancing with anyone, everyone, and even himself. He truly loved to dance. He was blessed to find love and strength after his accident. He was a true inspiration to many. As Harry G. said, “Say Hi to Kim for me” as well. I no longer live in Waterloo but still treasure my memories of many friends and acquaintances from the years I grew up and lived in Waterloo. Blessings to you all during your loss and sorrow.
May God Bless And Keep You Always
please accept my deepest condolences and heartfelt sadness at your loss. but know that you are loved.
Di and family,
I am so sorry. I will miss him so much. If you need me call me anytime. My prays are with you every day
Love ya Sister Connie Jo
“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and staff they comfort me.” My brother Rick knew the voice of the Good Shepherd, and now has gone to be with Him. I pray now His peace will carry you through these new valleys you will face. Always follow where He leads. We love you all so much.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick was truelly an inspiration to all he met. His possitive outlook on life inspired many. I remember metting Rick and Diane in Lewiston,Id. 6yrs. ago at a time when I was going through many set backs in my christian life. It was Ricks steady love of God, life and others that helped me get through. God Bless you all.
To a special friend of mine, of whom I will miss his smile and optimistic outlook on life. Rick taught me so much in a very short period of time. He was an inspiration to many. As I recall some of our time spent together it makes me smile. My sympathy to Diane and all of his family.
It was a great honor to have known Rick and his family. His attitude and character should be something for all of us to be insprired and strive to achieve in our lives. God Speed Rick.
My thoughts and prayers are with Diane, David and loved ones.
I can remember many fun times with Diane and Rick. I was maid of honor at their wedding years ago. Rick was very good at keeping me on track during my younger years sending me uplifting messages and letters helping to keep my faith strong and growing. I was thinking as i type this of his laugh kind of made me think of Arnold Horseshack on Welcome Back Kotter. Prayers and thoughts are with you guys. love you!
I have received word of Rick’s passing. My prayers are with him and his family.
Rick and I were good friends from way back in Jr. high school at Mckinstry. I will always treasure the memories we had, growing up in Waterloo. Rick, may you rest in peace.
I only knew Rick for a short while, but his spirit and love of life were evident. May God shed his blessings on all of his family. Tom Masey
We appreciated getting to know Rick and Diane. We often walked by their place in Wellman with our little Chihuahua.
It didn’t take long to learn that they loved the Lord.
May the Lord comfort and guide Diane and family.
Martha and John Nye
Diane & Kids, Rick probably doesn’t want me to tell all our stories, but I can say we had a lot of good times dancing etc. I had a 66 GMC van & that’s how we got around mostly after his accident. He rode in cars too, but in the van he could stay in his chair. We thought that we could make him happy by partying all the time, but it was hard on Lorraine when we dropped him of drunk. I know that after Rick met Diane and found the Lord his life really started to take shape. He has been an inspiration to all that meet him. David you have my number so if you need me any time just call. Yo Brother
Love you all,
Rick Gorman
Remember that everything has God’s fingerprints on it! When our life is filled with the desire to see the Holiness in everyday things, something magical begins to happens. A feeling of Peace emerges. We begin to see nurturing aspects of daily living that were previously hidden to us. When we remember that everything has God’s fingerprints on it, that alone makes it Special!! You are truly Blessed to have all that you do! We are all truly Blessed to of had Rick in our lives, He was an inspiration to us all!!
May you rest in Peace, See ya when we get there.
Later Barb Bruno
Diane and Family, We are truly sorry for your loss of Rick. We have missed being a part of your lives in a deeper way the last years. We pray God’s grace will be sufficient to carry you through these next days and months and possibly years. We hold a dear place in our hearts for Rick. We will miss him dearly. For various reasons we will not be able to come to the service, but know our love is there. Sincerely,
Kevin & Diane Fritz
Diane, you and Rick have made a positive difference in my life and I’m sure to everyone’s life you have touched. When I think of Rick, I remember that although he had suffered from a life changing accident, he didn’t become spiritually bitter or poor. He chose God instead. He was a good example of how to live and never give up no matter what. The most important thing I remember though, is that he was a good friend. I know that he will be missed by everyone that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Diane Nicole and David, my prayers are with you today and always. Although I was only in your lives 6 short weeks I came to know all of you could see the Jesus in you. Rick was never disheartened by his diabilities nor was he angry or frustrated. He took life one day at a time and showed us all how to live life to the fullesst in spite of what we may be going thru or dealing with. May God continue to shine on you and may you never forget how to live in spite of…
Blessing unto you all,
Allonda-CDAC Provider
Diane,Rick’s physical presence will be greatly missed but spiritually he will be with us forever. I remember sitting with him and Gordy talking of old times. Prayers go out to his family.
What an amazing spirit there is in Rick. He always had such wonderful things to say about his loving family and especially to his dear wife. We truly enjoyed Ricks presence at ManorCare and he will not be forgotten. ~Recreation Staff
He will be missed.
So thankful to have known Rick for many years – and also thankful I will see him again! 🙂 He, with his wife Diane, is a true friend – he was always willing to help whenever needed, and to pray for us often. Rick lived out his faith daily, and was a wonderful example of Christ-likeness to those who had the privelege of knowing him.
“I am with you,
I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with My victorious Right Hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 116:15 “The death of His faithful ones is valuable in the Lord’s sight.”
Psalm 116: 12-13 “How can I repay the LORD all the good He has done for me? I will take the cup of salvation and worship the LORD.”8
I went to school with Rick in junior high and didn’t see him but occasionally after that.
I did run into him one summer years later and we wrestled around just like we did in junior high. The the next time I saw him was after his accident and I thought, “Darn it, we just wrestled not that long ago.”
Maybe next time I see him (in heaven) we can have a rematch.