Rickford Rick Vaughn James Breuer

Born in Rock Rapids, Iowa, Rick grew up in the small rural town of Larchwood, Iowa. His mother became ill shortly after his birth and Rick spent much of his youth accompanying his father on his route delivering gas and oil to local farmers. His family teased him that he had his diaper changed by every farm wife in the area!

Upon reaching school age, Rick wasn’t excited about attending school. Dropped off at school for his first day by his mom, he was waiting on the back steps of their house when she arrived home! Fortunately, Rick’s sister, Cathy, was just a year behind him in school. He would threaten her that they would end up in the same grade if she didn’t help him with his schoolwork!

Rick was active in Scouts as well as being deeply involved in Larchwood’s favorite sport, baseball. He started in Pee Wee League and played throughout high school. He loved his position as catcher! He also played on the high school basketball team for four years, playing forward or center positions.

After high school Rick attended Universal Trade School in Omaha, earning his certification in air conditioning and refrigeration. Two months prior to graduation, Uncle Sam called him to join the Army. Determined to finish his schooling, Rick went to the Marine Corps recruiters and negotiated a deal. Rick went to basic training in San Diego and infantry training at Camp Pendleton. A confident kid entering the Marine Corps, he became a self-assured, tough, strong man. Twenty-two months in Viet Nam cemented his dedication to being a Marine and a patriot with deep love for his country.

During his sophomore year at St. Mary’s High School, Rick met the love of his life, Donna Cain. They both graduated in 1965 and were married after Rick’s return from Viet Nam in 1968. Falling in love when they were just kids, their commitment lasted for over 46 years of marriage. Rick and Donna were blessed with a son, Rob, in 1970 and a daughter, Stacey, in 1975.

Rick had a fulfilling career, traveling the world testing and competing with his company’s military vehicles. Being part of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle team from inception to production was one of his proudest accomplishments. He logged over 100,000 miles in the Bradley and was the only test gunner to put 2 TOW missiles through the same hole in a target at 4000 meters during a demonstration. During his years at FMC Corporation, he became part of a brotherhood of men, forging friendships which have endured for years.

He loved his job, but family always came first. Numerous vacations with family and friends – house boating, ski trips, camping, motor home trips-were enjoyed over the years. He delighted in getting first-time water skiers, wake boarders and knee boarders out of the water. Each one was a notch on the steering wheel of his boat and they trusted him to keep them safe! Many happy hours were spent on the water with his family and those lucky enough to be his friends!

Rick was pleased to welcome Rob’s wife, Pat, and Stacey’s husband, Jason to the family. The addition of grandchildren Quinn, Ella, Aaron, Christopher and Bailey were celebrated wholeheartedly! He loved his family deeply and was a proud father and grandfather.

Rick always loved using his hands and working in his shop. Woodworking was a favorite and he built everything from cabinets and sheds to one-of-a-kind toys with his grandson, Quinn. Many happy hours were spent puttering is his shop, doing “maintenance.” An avid hunter, he enjoyed teaching gun safety to his grandson and taking hunting trips with his hunting “buddies.”

Rick is survived by his wife, Donna. Son, Rob (Pat) Breuer and daughter, Stacey (Jason) Medema. Grandchildren: Quinn & Ella Medema, Bailey Breuer and Aaron & Christopher Clavero. Sister & brother-in-law, Cathy & Chuck Wiese. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Robert & Gloria Breuer and brother, Timothy Breuer.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Rose Catholic Church at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 27th . Burial will follow at Paso Robles District Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057

Arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home, Paso Robles, CA.