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Richard Frederick ‘Rick’ Schreuder

  Richard Frederick “Rick,” Schreuder, 39, passed away peacefully at home on June 10, 2012, from esophageal cancer. Rick has struggled with this disease for almost a year, while all the time retaining his positive outlook on life and sense of humor. He was born on Oct. 5, 1972, to Gail and Donald Schreuder. Rick served in the United States Army Reserves and the California National Guard for 13 years and was active in veterans affairs.

  When Rick learned that his disease was terminal, he had two goals to complete before he went. First, he wanted to complete his auto mechanics certificate from the Santa Rosa Junior College; and second, he wanted to restore a 1946 Willys Jeep. He had been given the Jeep by relatives at the family’s ranch in Hollister, where he loved to hangout. He completed the first goal on May 23, 2012, when he received his certificate at a graduation ceremony in Santa Rosa, which he attended by wheelchair. At graduation, he received a special award from the Dean and the head of the department for his volunteer work with the department mentoring and tutoring students, assisting the instructors, and helping to start the auto mechanics program at local high schools. Unfortunately, Rick’s second goal eluded him as his Willys Jeep was recently finished shortly after his passing.

  Rick was an active participant in civic affairs where he lived in Sonoma as a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, Parlor #111, the American Legion, Post #489 and the Sonoma Christian Lighthouse Church.

  Rick is survived by his parents, Gail and Don Schreuder, of Novato; sister, Sherri (and husband, Michael) North, of New York; niece, Isabella. He is also survived by his aunt and uncle, Joyce and Gary McCown, of Modesto; as well as many cousins, friends and acquaintances.

  Friends are invited to attend a graveside service with military honors at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at the Veterans Memorial Park, 90 First St. W., Sonoma, CA 95476. Rick’s life will be celebrated immediately after by friends and family on Saturday, June 16, 2012, starting at 12:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building, 126 First St. W., Sonoma, CA 95476. Dress will be casual.

  Memorial contributions in Rick’s honor can be made to any or all of the following: the Richard Schreuder Scholarship Fund, c/o Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation, 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401-4395; The Native Sons of the Golden West, Parlor #111, P.O. Box 111, Sonoma, CA 95476; the American Legion, Post #489, P.O. Box 578, Sonoma, CA 95476; or Hospice By The Bay, 190 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476.

  Cremation and related services cared for by Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476. Further inquiries can be made to them at 996-3655 or www.duggansmissionchapel.com.

Duggan’s Mission Chapel.

Mission Cremation Service

525 West Napa Street

Sonoma, CA 95476

707-996-3655