Richard Ernest Madoski passed away at his home on February 11, 2024, surrounded by family, at the age of 93, after a short battle with cancer.
He was born in Manteca on July 16, 1930, and Manteca and Ripon have remained his home since 1957. Richard (Dick) graduated from Manteca High School in 1948. He attended Pacific Bible College (now Azusa University) in Azusa, CA where he met his wife, Carol. They returned to the Ripon/Manteca area in 1957, where he worked in Agriculture. Richard owned and operated REM Trucking for 25 years. He continued his career as a truck driver with Simplot Company until he retired at the age of 72. Dick fulfilled his dream of being a farmer by becoming a “hobby farmer”. He was widely known as the Sweet Potato Man, generously sharing his crop with friend and family. He also donated thousands of pounds yearly to local charities. Dick accepted the Lord as his Saviors at the age of 18 and served Him faithfully. He was a member of the Ripon
Free Methodist Church, serving in various ways as Local Minister, SS teacher, usher, and other ways. He also went on five mission trips, serving in Peru, and Africa. Dick and Carol enjoyed
many trips in their motorhome, traveling cross-country in the US and Canada. Highlights of these trips included taking each of their grandchildren on an extensive trip. They were also members of California Coaches for Christ where Dick often led the devotions.
Dick is preceded in passing by his siblings, Robert Madoski and Margaret (Sis) Porter. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Carol; his children, Bruce (Lisa) Madoski of
Ripon, Judy (Dan) DeJong of Oakdale, Jeanette (Greg) Hekman of Medford, Oregon, and Steve Madoski of Tehachapi; grandchildren, Nathan (Tuesday) DeJong, Britany Madoski, Natalie (Jeremy) Grace, Marc Madoski, Ryan (Irene) Hekman, Bryce (Taylor) Hekman, Tyler (Shelby) Hekman, Alan Miller and Keera Madoski, as well as five great-grandchildren. He will be missed
dearly by his friends and family.
Deegan- Ripon Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Madoski family. A graveside service will be held at Ripon Cemetery on February 26, 2024 at
10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at Calvary Reformed Church at 11:00 a.m.. Any memorial donations can be made in Dick’s name to the Ripon Free Methodist Church designated for International Child Care Ministries.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, February 17, 2024
