Rick R. Van Natta

Rick R. VanNatta, age 61, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, May 30, 2021. He was born June 18, 1959, in Platteville, Wisconsin to Raymond “Bud” VanNatta and Sharon (Peake) Myers. Rick grew up on a farm outside of North Andover, Wisconsin and although he really did not like farming very much, he was always there to help. After graduating from Cassville High School in 1977, Rick entered the workforce and had been most recently employed with Century Link in Platteville as a Service Technician. In 1985, he met his soulmate and best friend, Sue (Smith) VanNatta. Over the years they enjoyed going to concerts and taking road trips, but their favorite activity was nitpicking each other, which always gave people a good laugh. After 27 years of being together, they were finally married on August 6, 2012. Rick enjoyed being with his family, friends, as well as taking adventures on the Harley. He always had a smile on his face and was kind to everyone he met. Rick had many incredibly special people in his life. He always wanted the best for everyone, especially his family.
Rick will be deeply missed by his wife, Sue; stepchildren: Jesse Taylor, Chris Taylor (Mandy Baus), Jen Taylor (Jamie Post); grandchildren: Mitchell (Sarah Gruel), Sydney, Will, Andrew, Brandi (Ryan Crubel), Wesley and Kennedy; great grandchildren: Vivian and Sophia; mother, Sharon; brother, Tim (Jody) Myers Jr; sister, Stacey Myers; half-sisters: Terri (Jerry) Dampier and Tammy (Terry) Huttemlocher; stepdad, Tim Myers (Jean Thornton); mother-in-law, Donna Smith; brothers-in-laws; sisters-in-laws and very special nieces and nephews.
Rick was preceded in death by his dad, Raymond “Bud” VanNatta; a brother, Raymond Jr. “Tig”; grandparents, Lavern and Alice VanNatta; William and Ocea Peake; father-in-law, Loren Smith; brother-in-law, Bill Smith; and nephew, Brad Griswold.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the dispatcher that answered our call, Lancaster EMS and everyone involved that day to assist, as well as Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory for their care. We would also like to thank our family and friends during this difficult time for the support, calls and visits. Please know we are deeply grateful for each and every one of you.
A private church service will be held for family. A Celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Saturday, June 26 at 1pm in North Andover with lunch provided. Please join us to celebrate Rick's life as we remember him as one of the kindest souls that was on this earth and was taken far too soon.