"Like many others here, I had the honor to deploy with Rick back in 2008-09. We also worked together on a network at Ripley for many years. He was always in a jovial mood. (Maybe from all the RF from his amateur radios) :) We'll miss you Rick, till Valhalla."
In loving memory of
Rick D. Vinje
March 10, 1960 - December 11, 2021
Rick D. Vinje, age 61 of Little Falls passed away suddenly at home on December 11, 2021. Funeral service will be Friday, December 17 at 11:00 AM at the Camp Ripley Chapel with Pastor Thuul officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the start of the service at the Camp Ripley Chapel. Burial will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
Rick was born on March 10, 1960 to Richard and Charlene "Kay" (Kokkeby) Vinje in Owatonna, MN. Rick was a dedicated and proud soldier of the United State Military serving in the Airforce, Army and National Guard for 39 years. He married the love of his life, Jeane on June 21, 1997 at the Free Lutheran Church in Warroad, MN. Together the couple, raised two children. The family moved to Little Falls in 2000 after Rick accepted employment at Camp Ripley in the IT department. Rick enjoyed his work as a systems administrator and working on computers. Rick had a deep love for his family and friends, making an impact on many. He will be forever missed by those who knew and cherished him.
Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Jeane; sons, Quill (Kaylynne), Erik; father, Richard; bonus children, Dakota (Ruby), Patty, Emma (Riley) and an angel, Randy, in heaven; granddaughters, Delphine and Addisyn; and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kay and an infant child.
Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory and Celebrating the life of Rick. 320-632-4393.
Tributes
"I had the opportunity to get to know Rick during our deployment with 834th and for some time after that. We were in the same section, so had plenty of time to see what the leader, mentor and gentleman he truly was. You could also tell how happy and proud he was of his family! I feel privileged to have know him. He will be missed and my condolences to his family and friends. "
"Rick was such a kind soul. He was a loving and devoted husband and father and he made friends feel like family. He made everyone he came into contact with feel special, cared about and important much like his wife Jeane. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Love Always, Sharon"
"Rick was such a kind soul. He was a loving and devoted husband and father and he made friends feel like family. He made everyone he came into contact with feel special, cared about and important much like his wife Jeane. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Love Always, Sharon"
"I was blessed to have known and worked with Rick for 21 years. Rick was a down-to-earth loving husband, father, friend and patriot. I have nothing but great memories of Rick. He could do anything he set his mind to. May the good memories of Rick comfort the Vinje family during this difficult time."
"RIP Rick."
"RIP, Rick."
"We are so sorry for your loss. Rick was a great guy and I am sure he will be greatly missed. Love you all! Debbie and John Drong"
"These memories are 45-50 years old. I was in 7th grade when I met Rick. He was in 6th grade. Tammy was in 5th grade. We used to hang out on the streets of Gonvick. We played Bingo together every Saturday night. We loved hanging out and playing pool at the Club House. Sometimes we just hung out at the Vinje's house. I spent the night with them on the 4th of July 1976. I have so many memories. I have pictures from the old days. I will miss Rick. My condolences to Rick's wife Jeane, kids, father Richard and sister Tammy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. JoAnne Kruschke Smith "
"Ricky was such a bright soul and always had such a positive outlook on things. He will be truly missed, praying for peace and comfort for all those left behind, Rest in Peace Vinje, until we meet again "
"Rick will be truly missed, sorry for your loss."