| Graduation Year | Class of 1971 |
| Date of Passing | Jun 21, 2015 |
| About | Richard “Rick” Alan Loeding died peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, at the age of 61. Born July 26, 1953, in Austin, Minnesota, Rick was the oldest of five. Rick grew up in Mapleview, Minnesota, and graduated from Austin High School in 1971. It was also this year that he received the great honor of becoming the state-wrestling champion. After high school he attended the University of North Dakota Jamestown and he later received an Associates Degree in hydraulics. He resided most of his life in Austin where he enjoyed his work as a laser engraver at Anderson Memorials. Rick was honored with being inducted into the Austin High School Athletic Hall of Fame in Jan. of 2013. He enjoyed animals of all types and had an especially soft heart for dogs. Rick enjoyed playing the guitar and was a huge fan of Bob Dylan. Even in his last days he found great joy in listening to his music. Rick spent much time staying in touch with his friends and family and was well-known and loved around Austin. Rick lead a faith-filled life and enjoyed worshiping with his church family at Faith Evangelical Free Church, where he was actively involved in a small-group Bible study and discussion group. His faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior was of utmost importance to him, and all that surrounded Rick felt the joy of the Lord through him. His family rejoices knowing that he has gone home to be with Jesus in Heaven. Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn “Mickey” Bengston (Wentzel) in 1993; and his brother, Scott in 1984. Rick is survived by his father Richard “Dick” (Sue) Loeding of Arkansas, his brothers David of Hilo, Hawaii and Steven of Fowler, Indiana, his sister, Heidi (Jim) Hargan of Rome, Wisconsin. He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews of whom he had great pride |
