Richard James Meinders was the firstborn son born August 19, 1959, to Clarence W. and Wilma Jean (De Graaf) Meinders, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He grew up on an acreage north of Pella with his four brothers. Richard graduated from Pella Christian High School in 1978.

Richard loved being outdoors, hunting, trapping and fishing. He was employed briefly by Red Rock Rubber and Vermeer. He also worked for local area farmers developing his love and skill for raising cattle. Later in life with his father in The Cottages, he would help his mother with many errands. He would take her to look at the eagles around Lake Red Rock, and the white-tailed deer in the fields.  Richard endured many physical injuries that affected him during the rest of his life. Richard would still visit with people fishing below Red Rock to see what was biting. Richard's nieces and nephews were very important to him, he cherished them all, and was especially close to Meaghan. Richard was well-respected by many people in the cattle business for his knowledge of the industry. On May 27, 2021, he was diagnosed with colon cancer, he passed on July 11, at the Comfort House.

Richard is survived by his parents Clarence and Wilma Meinders, and his brothers:

Ronald Meinders

Melissa and Austin Stevens

Riley and Emily Meinders

Kinsley Stoddard, Bay Nicole Meinders

Kenneth and Beth Meinders

Timothy Meinders

Kathryn and Randy Weltzheimer

Meaghan Meinders

Calvin Meinders

Kalene Meinders

Kaelin Meinders

Stanley and Sam Meinders

Seth Meinders

Rachael Meinders

Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents Tim and Della (Van Hulzen) Meinders, Gerrit and Minnie (Vander Wilt) De Graaf, and many aunts and uncles.

Many Hands 4 Haiti
Pella IA
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Pella Police Department - K9 Unit
Pella IA