Richard "Rick" Stimac

We are sad to announce that Rick Stimac passed away on March 5, 2025 from a major cardiac event in his home near Randall, MN.

Rick was born December 10, 1961 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Richard and Bev (Walker) Stimac.  He grew up in Crosby until the 8th grade and graduated from Lincoln High School, Thief River Falls, MN in 1980.  After high school he earned his commercial driver’s license and was a career over-the-road trucker until he retired from driving in January 2024.  After retiring, Rick found his all-time, favorite job at Safari North Wildlife Park in Brainerd, working part-time as a maintenance and grounds keeper.  He loved the hands-on work and told us he had a special bond with all the “critters” at the Park.

Rick was mostly quiet and kept a low profile but he had a big heart and truly loved his family…he always gave the best family bear hugs!  He grew up playing sports (football, hockey, baseball) as a kid and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his Dad, brothers, and uncles.  Rick picked up drumming at the old Franklin Elementary School in Crosby and continued playing throughout his adult life…he loved rocking out to AC/DC and other ’70s/‘80s rock bands!  Rick liked assuming the role as a  “volunteer goal judge” at his niece and nephew’s hockey games…in his unique style, he stayed away from the crowds and always parked himself behind the opposing net to cheer any puck that crossed the goal line.  Rick was a man of few words but he rarely missed an opportunity to check in with Gary and Cathy Smith (Brother Dave’s in-laws) to stay up on family news.

Rick never married and did not have any children.  But he loved dogs and always had a faithful companion by his side.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Stimac and Bev (Walker) Watkins, brother Jon, brother-in-law Dan Howerton, and sister-in-law Christy Stimac.

Rick is survived by his sister Sheryl Howerton of Angle Inlet, MN, his brother Dave and his niece Annabelle and nephew Jonathon of Brainerd, MN.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby, MN on Saturday, April 26 from 10am – 12pm.