Rickie (Rick) Montell French of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 29, 2026. He was 79 years old.

Born on November 10, 1946, in Austin, Minnesota, Rick was the cherished son of William and Margaret (Shupe) French. Shortly after his birth, the family made their home in Waterloo, Iowa, where Rick grew up as a baby boomer. He was a proud graduate of Waterloo East High School’s class of 1965, an institution that helped lay the foundation for his dedicated and hardworking character.

Following high school, Rick began his professional journey at John Deere, where he dedicated five years of service. Seeking to pursue a new path, he enrolled at Hawkeye Community College and later the Iowa Police Academy where he earned a degree in Police Science. His commitment to public service led him to various law enforcement roles, including positions with the Evansdale Police Department, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and as a deputy in Tama County, faithfully serving his community for ten years. Later in his career, he transitioned to a role as warehouse manager at Paulson Electric, where he devoted 25 years before retiring.

Rick’s life was marked by love not only in his work but also in his personal life. Through a mutual friend, he met the love of his life, Linda Barron. Their bond deepened, culminating in marriage on August 3, 1985, at the Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Waterloo. The couple shared many happy years together, enriched by faith and mutual support. Rick was a proud member of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Waterloo, where his faith was an integral part of his life.

In his leisure time, Rick found joy in the simple pleasures of life—the serene experience of fishing, enjoying rides with Linda on their quad, spending peaceful moments at Black Hawk Park, and embracing the great outdoors with enthusiasm. He had a particular passion for target practice and reloading, activities to which he dedicated much of his free time with steady focus and enjoyment.

Rick was preceded in death by his loving parents, William and Margaret; brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Sharon French, and Arlan and Kathie French; sister-in-law, Cora Thompson-French; and niece, Buffy Simmons. Their memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda French of Waterloo, Iowa; his sister, Cheryl Stoneman (Dennis) of Cedar Falls, Iowa; nieces and a nephew; as well as his beloved special family, Tim and Jennifer Schmidt, and their children Amanda, Emily, Sarah, and Anna.

A visitation in memory of Rick will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lighthouse Baptist Church, located at 300 Ralston Road, Waterloo, Iowa. This will be followed by the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Denver, Iowa, at 1:30 p.m.

Rick’s legacy is that of a man devoted to family, faith, and community—a life well lived marked by integrity, kindness, and steadfast dedication. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who had the privilege to know him.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded. You may click this link to attend. http://www.youtube.com/@lbcwloo