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Ricky Wedeking

September 30, 2020
Kalamazoo, MI

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Wedeking, Rickey Lee 1/19/1962 - 9/30/2020 Kalamazoo Our loving son, Rickey Lee Wedeking completed his earthly journey on September 30, 2020. Born on January 19, 1962 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Dr. Fred L. Wedeking and Denise O. Wedeking, Rickey began regaling crowds at an early age with his infectious smile and impish nature. With initial aspirations to follow in his Dad's footsteps, Rick obtained his paramedic degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College in 1980, the youngest to receive such a degree at that time. He then worked for Emmett and RNEMS Ambulance services and on his first run, delivered a baby! Moving on to Michigan State University, Rick eventually changed his focus to Marketing, graduating in 1986. During his time as a Spartan, Rickey was very active with the Sigma Chi fraternity. The parties he organized and held as Social Chairman are still the talk of legend! Rick was the life of the party, ebullient, generous and giving. All who knew him can attest that "Gumby" had a heart of gold. After receiving his BBA in Marketing, Rick started his own marketing firm in Kalamazoo, Different Dimensions, Inc. He later owned and operated Plainwell Printing and then acquired his real estate broker's license selling houses in the Kalamazoo area. Eventually, Rick wanted to return to school, and he enrolled in Northwestern University to study in their elite Marketing Communications program. Rickey excelled during his time there, and graduated in 1996 with his Master's degree Cum Laude and as class Valedictorian. Rick's next adventure took him to Newport Beach, California where he was employed in Marketing Research by Urban Science. He became president of the local chapter of the American Marketing Association. When not heads down into his work, Rick loved his oceanside life and spent many weekends surfing, sailing and ambling around his beloved Catalina Island. Rick lived life to the fullest, living large and loving hard, enjoying the arts, the bars, fine dining, the study of history and the bible, world travel and of course his family. Rick's focus changed to healing and fighting after his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 1998. Rick was always positive throughout many tough times, and always willing to embrace the next battle. Rickey and his family are especially thankful to all of those at Alamo Nursing Home, his second family, who cared, laughed, loved and prayed, with and for Rick, during his challenging times. Rickey's memory is still alive in those that survive him, including his parents, sister Tammy (Sue) and her husband, Steve Withers; brother Ritch Wedeking; aunts Nancy Wedeking and Peggy White; uncles Jeff Neel, Dickson Matos and family, Kilton Matos and family; many more beloved family in Puerto Rico; nephew Karsen Withers; niece Taryn Withers; and cousin Michelle Neel. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will take place at some time in the future. Please visit Rick's personalized online guestbook at https://memorials.grcremation.com/rickey-wedeking/4345378/index.php