Ricky (Rick) Allen Rector, age 68, of Ninilchik, Alaska, passed away at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska, on April 13, 2026, after a brief illness.
Rick was born January 13, 1958, in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended school in the area, graduating from South Sioux City High School in 1976 and again from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art and English. He also proudly served his country in the United State Air Force.
Rick married Tracy, the love of his life, on September 25, 2004, in Sioux City, Iowa. They left on an adventure of a lifetime to Alaska on May 8, 2005, where they made their home. Rick worked in Fairbanks, Alaska at Rogers Software from 2005-2008. He and Tracy then lived in Seward, Alaska from 2008-2012 where he worked as a sport fishing guide. They moved to the Western Kenai Peninsula in 2012 where he worked at Sportsman's Warehouse until retirement in 2018. They settled in Ninilchik after retirement and were there until his passing.
Rick and Tracy had many adventures over the years. They were rarely separated and they rarely met a stranger! Rick was a man of many talents and interests. His life's loves were his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his wife, his family, the outdoors, beach combing, fishing, hunting, tying fishing flies, hockey, music, reading, and writing. He touched many lives with his level-headed wisdom, his calm and gentle nature, and his faith and love in the Lord.
Those who knew Rick often thought of him as a mentor and a strong spiritual brother in Christ. Rick relied heavily on his faith and his relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He and Tracy prayed often. No matter the decision to be made, God was always in the equation!
Rick is survived by his wife, Tracy Rector of Ninilchik, Alaska, his mother Anita J. Rector of South Sioux City, his sister, Suzie (John) Nelson of Dakota City, his brother, Jeff (Judy) Rector of South Sioux City, his sons, Keith (Brandi) Monroe of Mendon, Mich., and Cory (Stephanie) Leedom of South Sioux City, Kyle Woolworth of Kansas City, Mo., and Patrick Hauswirth of Council Bluffs, Iowa, his daughters Megan Howard of South Sioux City, Ema Rector of Albuquerque, N.M., and Katie (Matt) Hogan of Luverne, Minn., 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Steve Rector and his father, Keith Rector.
Services will take place at Birch Ridge Community Church in Soldotna, Alaska officiated by Pastor Jacob Barlow on May 9, 2026 at 2 p.m. Additional celebrations of life will be held this summer in Seward, Alaska and this fall in South Sioux City.
Memorial donations may be made in Rick's honor to: Man Cave Ministry, 206 Old Home Rd, Asheville, N.C., 28804.
Rick's ashes will be dispersed in Resurrection Bay and the mountains of Seward, Alaska.
