Richard Wayne Chambers

Richard "Rick" Wayne Chambers, age 71, of Willmar, passed away Wednesday morning, December 13, at The Legacy of Farmington after a long battle with COPD.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.    Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Rick was born on November 1, 1952 in Bemidji, MN to Merwin and Beverley Chambers (Hardy). He was the second of five Chambers siblings. When Rick was 4, the family moved to Willmar, MN, where Rick would live for most of his life. 

Rick graduated from Willmar Senior High in 1971. After high school, Rick volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army. He was first in his Advanced Infantry Training Class, earning the Expert Infantryman’s qualification. He also completed Airborne Training at Fort Benning, GA and received his parachutist qualifications before being stationed in West Germany.

Back in the states, Rick studied at Willmar Community College and Southwest Minnesota State University. He and Marcia met in Willmar and were married in May of 1980. He worked as a Production Manager at West Central Industries, Salesman at WACOSA and Prudential, and a Staffing Consultant at Employment Plus of Willmar, until health issues forced his early retirement.

In his free time, Rick was a self-taught mechanic, computer enthusiast, handyman, and an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing. Fixing an engine, building a swing set, or dressing a goose were all firmly in his wheelhouse. Rick enjoyed reading books and watching documentaries, especially about American history or how things were made. He also loved when the movie Water World was airing on the SciFi channel, which the rest of the family never quite understood.

Rick is remembered for his strong love for Marcia, his dedication to his family, and his ability to find joy in any circumstance. He will be deeply missed.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Marcia (Samuelson) of Willmar. Their marriage of 43 years was filled with love and laughter. He is also survived by his children Eric (Erin) Chambers of Lincoln, Nebraska and Erin Chambers (Ben Anderson) of Farmington, MN; and brothers Merwin (Corliss) Chambers of Lawrencville, GA, and Steve (Barb) Chambers of Xenia, OH, Marcia’s four sisters, two brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and both sisters, Pauline Chambers and Sheila Kane.