Rick DeSchepper, 69, a devoted husband, loving father, and treasured friend, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2023 surrounded by his family in Rochester, MN. Rick is survived by his wife, Pam DeSchepper, two daughters: Amanda DeSchepper, Jessica Stormo (Brian and Logan), sisters Cheri Oleske and Dawn Sullivan, and brother Scott DeSchepper as well as an extended family including a large circle of friends whose lives he touched with his warmth and generosity.
Raised in Mitchell, South Dakota, Rick graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He started working at Philips Petroleum in Kansas, was an Electrical Engineer at TSP in Sioux Falls, and ultimately spent nearly 38 years of his career at IBM. Rick’s expertise, problem-solving abilities, and personal connections were highly respected, leaving a lasting impact on those he worked with, earning the admiration of his colleagues.
Rick and Pam’s love story began in college, and they soon married, creating a strong bond and nurturing family. Rick’s dedication to his wife and daughters was the cornerstone of his life, as he took immense pride in Jessica and Amanda. He was a supportive father who never missed a dance recital or an opportunity to encourage them in their pursuits, always offering guidance and unconditional love.
Those who knew Rick will remember him as a kind, generous, and loving soul who made a lasting impact on the lives of many. He had a talent for making people feel welcome and at ease, and his life was filled with friends and family who gathered to enjoy his company, share stories, and create lasting memories. Rick enjoyed walking the dogs, taking family vacations, and would never turn down his favorite chocolate chip cookie.
He is preceded in death by his parents Dean and LaVonne DeSchepper.
As we celebrate Rick’s life and mourn his passing, we find solace in the knowledge that his memory will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
A memorial service to celebrate Rick’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 22 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD, where friends and family will gather to honor his memory and share the joy he brought to their lives.
Rochester Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Memories and condolences of Rick may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
This is for Cheri and Matt Oleske:
When I saw this in the Argus Leader I remembered you had a brother Rick so I looked up the obituary.
Just know that I’m very sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was a great guy and will be missed greatly. I hope you and your families are all doing well. Do you still live in Worthington and still at Taco John’s?
I will check and see if you are on Facebook so we can connect. My sympathy to you and your family.
Although Rick lived about 2 blocks away, he was a close neighbor. It was always fun to be outside when Rick was doing his twice daily walk around the block with at least his dog, and sometimes one of his daughter’s dogs. Rick had a good sense of humor, was proud of his family and compassionate in his concern for others also. When we look out the window we will still anticipate Rick walking by.